1
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Nakagami Y, Nishi M. MA-5 ameliorates autism-like behavior in mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:488-493. [PMID: 37917568 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Indole-3-acetic acid is a common naturally occurring auxin in plants. A synthesized derivative of this compound, 4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-oxobutanoic acid also called mitochonic acid 5 (MA-5), has shown to increase the survival ratio of fibroblasts from patients with mitochondrial disease under stress-induced conditions. Further studies verified its efficacy in pathological models, such as an ischemia-reperfusion model, possibly by increasing ATP production. However, the efficacy of MA-5 in mental disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), has not been investigated. Our study focused on examining the effect of MA-5 in a mouse model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). VPA exposure significantly deteriorated the level of anxiety and exploratory behavior in an open field test. We fed mice an MA-5-containing diet for 5 weeks and observed an improvement in the above behavior in the MA-5-fed groups. The efficacy of MA-5 was also observed in the elevated plus maze and three-chambered tests. These findings suggest that MA-5 could potentially be used to treat ASD, especially in patients with mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nakagami
- Specialty Medicine Research Laboratories II, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Li Y, Ma L, Deng Y, Du Z, Guo B, Yue J, Liu X, Zhang Y. The Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway affects autophagy by adjusting DNA methyltransferases expression in a valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder model. Neuropharmacology 2023; 239:109682. [PMID: 37543138 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
As a pervasive neurodevelopmental disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is caused by both hereditary and environmental elements. Research has demonstrated the functions of the Notch pathway and DNA methylation in the etiology of ASD. DNA methyltransferases DNMT3 and DNMT1 are responsible for methylation establishment and maintenance, respectively. In this study, we aimed to explore the association of DNA methyltransferases with the Notch pathway in ASD. Our results showed Notch1 and Hes1 were upregulated, while DNMT3A and DNMT3B were downregulated at the protein level in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC) and cerebellum (CB) of VPA-induced ASD rats compared with Control (Con) group. However, the protein levels of DNMT3A and DNMT3B were augmented after treatment with 3,5-difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl-S-phenylglycine-2-butyl ester (DAPT), suggesting that abnormal Notch pathway activation may affect the expression of DNMT3A and DNMT3B. Besides, our previous findings revealed that the Notch pathway may participate in development of ASD by influencing autophagy. Therefore, we hypothesized the Notch pathway adjusts autophagy and contributes to ASD by affecting DNA methyltransferases. Our current results showed that after receiving the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-2'dc), the VPA + DAPT+5-Aza-2'dc (V + D + Aza) group exhibited reduced social interaction ability and increased stereotyped behaviors, and decreased expression of DNMT3A, DNMT3B and autophagy-related proteins, but did not show changes in Notch1 and Hes1 protein levels. Our results indicated that the Notch1/Hes1 pathway may adjust DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression and subsequently affect autophagy in the occurrence of ASD, providing new insight into the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Li
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Liping Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Yanan Deng
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Ziwei Du
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Bingqian Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Jianing Yue
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Xianxian Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China.
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3
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Ling W, Ren Z, Wang W, Lu D, Zhou Q, Liu Q, Jiang G. Chronic Ambient Ozone Exposure Aggravates Autism-Like Symptoms in a Susceptible Mouse Model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14248-14259. [PMID: 37676697 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Although there is evidence that exposure to ground-level ozone (O3) may cause an increased risk of neurological disorders (e.g., autistic spectrum disorder), low-dose chronic ozone exposure and its adverse effects on the nervous system have not been fully understood. Here, we evaluated the potential neurotoxic effects of long-term exposure to environmentally relevant O3 concentration (200 μg/m3 via a whole-body inhalation system, 12 h/day for 5 days/week) using a susceptible mouse model of autism induced by valproic acid. Various indicators of oxidative stress, mitochondria, and synapse in the brain tissues were then measured to determine the overall damage of O3 to the mouse brain. The results showed an aggravated risk of autism in mice offspring, which was embodied in decreased antioxidant contents, disturbed energy generation in mitochondria, as well as reduced expressions of protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) and synaptic proteins [e.g., Synapsin 1 (SYN 1), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95)]. Overall, our study indicates that prenatal exposure to environmentally relevant O3 may exacerbate the symptoms of autism, shedding light on possible molecular mechanisms and providing valuable insights into the pathogenesis of autism, especially concerning low-dose levels of those pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibo Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhihua Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Weichao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Dawei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qunfang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Taishan Institute for Ecology and Environment (TIEE), Jinan 250100, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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4
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Vörös D, Kiss O, Ollmann T, Mintál K, Péczely L, Zagoracz O, Kertes E, Kállai V, László BR, Berta B, Toth A, Lénárd L, László K. Intraamygdaloid Oxytocin Increases Time Spent on Social Interaction in Valproate-Induced Autism Animal Model. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1802. [PMID: 37509444 PMCID: PMC10376246 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 1.5% of children worldwide. One of the core symptoms is impaired social interaction. Since proper treatment has not been found yet, an investigation of the exact pathophysiology of autism is essential. The valproate (VPA)-induced rat model can be an appropriate way to study autism. Oxytocin (OT) may amend some symptoms of ASD since it plays a key role in developing social relationships. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the intraamygdaloid OT on sham and intrauterine VPA-treated rats' social interaction using Crawley's social interaction test. Bilateral guide cannulae were implanted above the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and intraamygdaloid microinjections were carried out before the test. Our results show that male Wistar rats prenatally exposed to VPA spent significantly less time on social interaction. Bilateral OT microinjection increased the time spent in the social zone; it also reached the level of sham-control animals. OT receptor antagonist blocked this effect of the OT but in itself did not significantly influence the behavior of the rats. Based on our results, we can establish that intraamygdaloid OT has significantly increased time spent on social interaction in the VPA-induced autism model, and its effect is receptor-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Vörös
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Ollmann
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kitti Mintál
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Cellular Bioimpedance Research Group, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Péczely
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Olga Zagoracz
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Kertes
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Kállai
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bettina Réka László
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Beáta Berta
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Toth
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Cellular Bioimpedance Research Group, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Lénárd
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Molecular Endocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kristóf László
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
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5
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Gzielo K, Potasiewicz A, Hołuj M, Litwa E, Popik P, Nikiforuk A. Valproic acid exposure impairs ultrasonic communication in infant, adolescent and adult rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 41:52-62. [PMID: 32978035 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Persistent deficits of social communication are a hallmark of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Communication disabilities can be experimentally modeled using rodents' ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). Although prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is one of the most widely used animal models of ASD, little is known about communication impairments in this model. We performed a longitudinal study to characterize VPA-induced socio-communicative deficits in male and female rats. USVs were recorded in neonatal rats during maternal separation, in adolescent rats during social play, and in adult rats during social interactions. VPA male and female pups emitted a reduced number of USVs. Their calls were shorter and of an elevated peak frequency. Although social play deficits in adolescent rats were restricted to males only, both males and females demonstrated quantitative and qualitative changes in USVs. Altered vocalization also accompanied deficient social interactions in adult VPA males. In contrast to the adolescents, however, these differences were limited to a reduced number of USVs, but not to the call's structure. Present data suggest that ultrasonic vocalization measurement is a useful tool in detecting lifelong communicative disability in a VPA exposure-induced ASD model. We postulate that USV assessment in female rats may be a more sensitive indicator of juvenile autistic-like disturbances than other behavioral measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gzielo
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Potasiewicz
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Hołuj
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Litwa
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Popik
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Nikiforuk
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
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6
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Chaliha D, Albrecht M, Vaccarezza M, Takechi R, Lam V, Al-Salami H, Mamo J. A Systematic Review of the Valproic-Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:12-48. [DOI: 10.1159/000509109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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7
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Hidema S, Kikuchi S, Takata R, Yanai T, Shimomura K, Horie K, Nishimori K. Single administration of resveratrol improves social behavior in adult mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:2207-2214. [PMID: 32698690 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1794783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol present in grapes, the skin of peanuts, and several other plants with many health benefits. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may be linked to neural and synaptic development impairments. The present study aimed to analyze the preventive effects of RSV on the development of ASD-like behavior, using oxytocin receptor gene knockout (Oxtr-KO) and valproic acid-induced ASD (VPA-ASD) model mice. Genetic deficiencies in Oxtr are suggested to be involved in ASD etiology. Twenty-four hours after a single RSV injection to the Oxtr-KO mice, the social impairments caused by OXTR deficiency were ameliorated. RSV also improved social impairments in the VPA-ASD mice. Administration of RSV up-regulated silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) gene and early growth response factor 3 (Egr3) gene expressions in the amygdala of the Oxtr-KO mice. Our data suggest that RSV may have therapeutic effects on ASD with multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Hidema
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan.,Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Shohei Kikuchi
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryoji Takata
- Research Laboratories for Wine Technologies, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited , Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Takaaki Yanai
- Research Laboratories for Wine Technologies, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited , Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kengo Horie
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan.,Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan.,Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan
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8
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Effects of PM 2.5 and gases exposure during prenatal and early-life on autism-like phenotypes in male rat offspring. Part Fibre Toxicol 2020; 17:8. [PMID: 31996222 PMCID: PMC6990481 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-020-0336-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have reported associations between elevated air pollution and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, we hypothesized that exposure to air pollution that mimics real world scenarios, is a potential contributor to ASD. The exact etiology and molecular mechanisms underlying ASD are not well understood. Thus, we assessed whether changes in OXTR levels may be part of the mechanism linking PM2.5/gaseous pollutant exposure and ASD. The current in-vivo study investigated the effect of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants on ASD using behavioral and molecular experiments. Four exposure groups of Wistar rats were included in this study: 1) particulate matter and gaseous pollutants exposed (PGE), 2) gaseous pollutants only exposed (GE), 3) autism-like model (ALM) with VPA induction, and 4) clean air exposed (CAE) as the control. Pregnant dams and male pups were exposed to air pollutants from embryonic day (E0) to postnatal day (PND21). RESULTS The average ± SD concentrations of air pollutants were: PM2.5: 43.8 ± 21.1 μg/m3, CO: 13.5 ± 2.5 ppm, NO2: 0.341 ± 0.100 ppm, SO2: 0.275 ± 0.07 ppm, and O3: 0.135 ± 0.01 ppm. The OXTR protein level, catalase activity (CAT), and GSH concentrations in the ALM, PGE, and GE rats were lower than those in control group (CAE). However, the decrements in the GE rats were smaller than other groups. Also in behavioral assessments, the ALM, PGE, and GE rats demonstrated a repetitive /restricted behavior and poor social interaction, but the GE rats had weaker responses compared to other groups of rats. The PGE and GE rats showed similar trends in these tests compared to the VPA rats. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that exposure to ambient air pollution contributed to ASD and that OXTR protein may serve as part of the mechanism linking them.
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9
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Gao X, Zheng R, Ma X, Gong Z, Xia D, Zhou Q. Elevated Level of PKMζ Underlies the Excessive Anxiety in an Autism Model. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:291. [PMID: 31849605 PMCID: PMC6893886 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety affects the life quality of a significant percentage of autism patients. To understand the possible biological basis of this high anxiety level, we used a valproic acid (VPA) model of autism. Anxiety level is significantly higher in VPA-injected mice, at both P35 and P70. In addition, protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) level in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is significantly higher in VPA mice at both ages. Consistent with this finding, infusion of a PKMζ-blocking peptide z-pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptide (ZIP) into BLA significantly reduced anxiety levels in VPA mice. Furthermore, viral overexpression of PKMζ in the BLA led to elevated anxiety level in Wild Type (WT) mice, with concomitant higher intrinsic excitability of BLA excitatory neurons. Altogether, our results indicate a key contribution of BLA PKMζ level to anxiety, especially in autism; and this finding may provide a further understanding of the pathogenesis as well as treatment of anxiety symptoms in autism patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Gao
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiting Gong
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Anatomy, College of Preclinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Dan Xia
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Child Healthcare, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Prenatal valproate in rodents as a tool to understand the neural underpinnings of social dysfunctions in autism spectrum disorder. Neuropharmacology 2019; 159:107477. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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11
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Strain differences in the susceptibility to the gut-brain axis and neurobehavioural alterations induced by maternal immune activation in mice. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 29:181-198. [PMID: 29462110 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing realization that the severity of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia is associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying such comorbidities remain unknown. Several genetic and environmental factors have been linked to a higher susceptibility to neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The maternal immune activation (MIA) rodent model is a valuable tool for elucidating the basis of this interaction. We induced MIA with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) at gestational day 12.5 and assessed behavioural, physiological and molecular aspects relevant to the gut-brain axis in the offspring of an outbred (NIH Swiss) and an inbred (C57BL6/J) mouse strain. Our results showed that the specific MIA protocol employed induces social deficits in both strains. However, alterations in anxiety and depression-like behaviours were more pronounced in NIH Swiss mice. These strain-specific behavioural effects in the NIH Swiss mice were associated with marked changes in important components of gut-brain axis communication: the endocrine response to stress and gut permeability. In addition, MIA-induced changes in vasopressin receptor 1a mRNA expression in the hypothalamus were observed in NIH Swiss mice only. Taken together, these data suggest that genetic background is a critical factor in susceptibility to the gut-brain axis effects induced by MIA.
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Holman PJ, Baglot SL, Morgan E, Weinberg J. Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on social competence: Asymmetry in play partner preference among heterogeneous triads of male and female rats. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 61:513-524. [PMID: 30843198 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Social behavior deficits associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) are frequently described in terms of impaired social competence, which can be defined as the effectiveness in social interaction and the ability to employ social skills successfully within different interpersonal contexts. Play behavior-which peaks during adolescence-is critical for developing social competence, as well as for motor, cognitive, and emotional development. Studies of play behavior typically utilize protocols where animals interact in dyads. However, less is understood about how the social environment may shape PAE-related social behavior deficits, particularly in more complex social contexts. Here, we assess play partner preference utilizing a novel approach in which adolescent male and female animals interact within same-sex triads comprised of animals from mixed prenatal treatments to determine how play partner identity and social group composition interact to shape behavior. When triads included one PAE animal and two control animals (i.e., control animals had the option to play either with a fellow control or a PAE playmate), we observed play target asymmetry whereby controls preferentially played with fellow controls. Notably, these results were consistent for triads of both males and females, with subtle differences in frequency of initiations versus reciprocations. We found no play target asymmetry, however, when triads included two PAE animals and one control animal or different configurations of control and pair-fed animals. Taken together, play target asymmetry resulting from ineffective social interactions, including a failure to engage with, respond to, and/or solicit play from control play partners appropriately, suggests that PAE negatively impacts the development of social competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker J Holman
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha L Baglot
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erin Morgan
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Consequences of prenatal exposure to valproic acid in the socially monogamous prairie voles. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2453. [PMID: 30792426 PMCID: PMC6385222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental risk factors contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) etiology. In particular, prenatal exposure to the highly teratogenic anticonvulsant valproic acid (VPA) significantly increases ASD prevalence. Although significant discoveries on the embryopathology of VPA have been reported, its effects on the ability to form enduring social attachment—characteristic of ASD but uncommonly displayed by rats and mice—remains unknown. We aimed to examine the effects of prenatal VPA exposure in the social, monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Compared to prenatal vehicle-exposed controls, prenatal VPA-exposed prairie voles had lower body weight throughout postnatal development, engaged in fewer social affiliative behaviors in a familial context, exhibited less social interactions with novel conspecifics, and showed enhanced anxiety-like behavior. Along these behavioral deficits, prenatal VPA exposure downregulated prefrontal cortex vasopressin receptor (V1aR) and methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) mRNA expression, but did not alter spine density in adults. Remarkably, adult social bonding behaviors, such as partner preference formation and selective aggression, were not disrupted by prenatal VPA exposure. Collectively, these studies suggest that, in this animal model, VPA alters only certain behavioral domains such as sex-naive anxiety and affiliative behaviors, but does not alter other domains such as social bonding with opposite sex individuals.
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Holman PJ, Ellis L, Morgan E, Weinberg J. Prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts male adolescent social behavior and oxytocin receptor binding in rodents. Horm Behav 2018; 105:115-127. [PMID: 30110605 PMCID: PMC6246826 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Social behavior deficits resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) emerge early in life and become more pronounced across development. Maturational changes associated with adolescence, including pubertal onset, can have significant consequences for social behavior development, making adolescence a unique period of increased vulnerability to social behavior dysfunction. Unfortunately, little is known about the underlying neurobiology supporting PAE-related social behavior impairments, particularly in the context of adolescence, when the transition to a more complex social environment may exacerbate existing deficits in social behavior function. Here we perform a comprehensive evaluation of social behavior development in PAE animals during two different periods in adolescence using three separate but related tests of social behavior in increasingly complex social contexts: the social interaction test, the social recognition memory test (i.e. habituation-dishabituation test), and the social discrimination test. Additionally, we investigated the underlying neurobiology of the oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems following PAE, given their well-documented role in mediating social behavior. Our results demonstrate that compared to controls, early adolescent PAE animals showed impairments on the social recognition memory test and increased OT receptor binding in limbic networks, while late adolescent PAE animals exhibited impairments on the social discrimination test and increased OTR binding in forebrain reward systems. Taken together, these data indicate that PAE impairs adolescent social behavior - especially with increasing complexity of the social context - and that impairments are associated with altered development of the OT but not the AVP system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker J Holman
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Linda Ellis
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Erin Morgan
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Servadio M, Manduca A, Melancia F, Leboffe L, Schiavi S, Campolongo P, Palmery M, Ascenzi P, di Masi A, Trezza V. Impaired repair of DNA damage is associated with autistic-like traits in rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:85-96. [PMID: 29174949 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic and mood stabilizer valproic acid (VPA) is an environmental risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), although recent epidemiological studies show that the public awareness of this association is still limited. Based on the clinical findings, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents is a widely used preclinical model of ASD. However, there is limited information about the precise biochemical mechanisms underlying the link between ASD and VPA. Here, we tested the effects of increasing doses of VPA on behavioral features resembling core and secondary symptoms of ASD in rats. Only when administered prenatally at the dose of 500mg/kg, VPA induced deficits in communication and social discrimination in rat pups, and altered social behavior and emotionality in the adolescent and adult offspring in the absence of gross malformations. This dose of VPA inhibited histone deacetylase in rat embryos and favored the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSB), but impaired their repair. The defective DSB response was no more visible in one-day-old pups, thus supporting the hypothesis that unrepaired VPA-induced DNA damage at the time of neural tube closure may underlie the autistic-like traits displayed in the course of development by rats prenatally exposed to VPA. These experiments help to understand the neurodevelopmental trajectories affected by prenatal VPA exposure and identify a biochemical link between VPA exposure during gestation and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Servadio
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Melancia
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Loris Leboffe
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Palmery
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
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