1
|
Yuan LX, Wang XK, Yang C, Zhang QR, Ma SZ, Zang YF, Dong WQ. A systematic review of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32251. [PMID: 38933955 PMCID: PMC11200348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32251] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined complex neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by persistent social communication and interaction deficit. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising and emerging tool for the intervention of ASD by reducing both core and associate symptoms. Several reviews have been published regarding TMS-based ASD treatment, however, a systematic review on study characteristics, specific stimulating parameters, localization techniques, stimulated targets, behavioral outcomes, and neuroimage biomarker changes is lagged behind since 2018. Here, we performed a systematic search on literatures published after 2018 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. After screening, the final systematic review included 17 articles, composing seven randomized controlled trial studies and ten open-label studies. Two studies are double-blind, while the other studies have a moderate to high risk of bias attributing to inadequate subject- and evaluator-blinding to treatment allocation. Five studies utilize theta-burst stimulation mode, and the others apply repetitive TMS with low frequency (five studies), high frequency (six studies), and combined low and high frequency stimulation (one study). Most researchers prioritize the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe as stimulation target, while parietal lobule, inferior parietal lobule, and posterior superior temporal sulci have also emerged as new targets of attention. One third of the studies use neuronavigation based on anatomical magnetic resonance imaging to locate the stimulation target. After TMS intervention, discernible enhancements across a spectrum of scales are evident in stereotyped behavior, repetitive behavior, and verbal social domains. A comprehensive review of literature spanning the last five years demonstrates the potential of TMS treatment for ASD in ameliorating the clinical core symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xia Yuan
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xing-Ke Wang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiu-Rong Zhang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sheng-Zhi Ma
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- TMS Center, Deqing Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Deqing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Dong
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han YMY, Chan MMY, Shea CKS, Lai OLH, Krishnamurthy K, Cheung MC, Chan AS. Neurophysiological and behavioral effects of multisession prefrontal tDCS and concurrent cognitive remediation training in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A double-blind, randomized controlled fNIRS study. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:414-425. [PMID: 35181532 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical effects and neurophysiological mechanisms of prefrontal tDCS and concurrent cognitive remediation training in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This two-armed, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of tDCS combined with concurrent cognitive remediation training on adolescents and young adults with ASD. METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to either active or sham tDCS groups and received 1.5 mA prefrontal tDCS with left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex cathode placement and right supraorbital region anode placement for 20 min over two consecutive weeks. tDCS was delivered concurrently with a computerized cognitive remediation training program. Social functioning and its underlying cognitive processes, as well as prefrontal resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), were measured. RESULTS The results from 41 participants indicated that multisession prefrontal tDCS, compared to sham tDCS, significantly enhanced the social functioning of ASD individuals [F(1,39) = 4.75, p = .035, ηp2 = 0.11]. This improvement was associated with enhanced emotion recognition [F(1,39) = 8.34, p = .006, ηp2 = 0.18] and cognitive flexibility [F(1,39) = 4.91, p = .033, ηp2 = 0.11]. Specifically, this tDCS protocol optimized information processing efficiency [F(1,39) = 4.43, p = .042, ηp2 = 0.10], and the optimization showed a trend to be associated with enhanced rsFC in the right medial prefrontal cortex (ρ = 0.339, pFDR = .083). CONCLUSION Multisession tDCS with left dlPFC cathode placement and right supraorbital region anode placement paired with concurrent cognitive remediation training promoted social functioning in individuals with ASD. This appeared to be associated with the enhancement of the functional connectivity of the right medial PFC, a major hub for flexible social information processing, allowing these individuals to process information more efficiently in response to different social situations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03814083).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne M Y Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Melody M Y Chan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caroline K S Shea
- Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, China; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Oscar Long-Hin Lai
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Mei-Chun Cheung
- Department of Social Work, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Agnes S Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
García-González S, Lugo-Marín J, Setien-Ramos I, Gisbert-Gustemps L, Arteaga-Henríquez G, Díez-Villoria E, Ramos-Quiroga JA. Transcranial direct current stimulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 48:89-109. [PMID: 33773886 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has gained relevance in recent years as an alternative treatment for neuropsychiatric conditions. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the use of tDCS in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Both electronic and manual searches were conducted to identify studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals addressing the use of tDCS in ASD population. A total of 16 studies fulfilled the criteria to be included in the review. Studies were conducted both in child and adult population. Anodal stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was the most commonly chosen methodology. Outcomes addressed ASD symptoms and neuropsychological functions. Meta-analytic synthesis identified improvements in social, health, and behavioral problem domains of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist. Limitations included high heterogeneity in the methodology and low-efficacy study designs (pre-post and single-case studies). Recent controlled trials shed promising results for the use of tDCS in ASD. A standardized stimulation protocol and a consensus in the measures used in the evaluation of the efficacy are imperative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara García-González
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jorge Lugo-Marín
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Imanol Setien-Ramos
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laura Gisbert-Gustemps
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gara Arteaga-Henríquez
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Emiliano Díez-Villoria
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo-InFoAutismo, INICO-Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Desarkar P, Rajji TK, Ameis SH, Blumberger DM, Lai MC, Lunsky Y, Daskalakis ZJ. Assessing and stabilizing atypical plasticity in autism spectrum disorder using rTMS: Results from a proof-of-principle study. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 141:109-118. [PMID: 34011467 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emerging evidence implicates atypical plasticity in the neurophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, autistic people demonstrated hyperplasticity in response to theta-burst stimulation (TBS). We hypothesized that autistic adults would display hyperplasticity to TBS and that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) - which potentiates brain inhibitory mechanisms - would 'stabilize' hyperplasticity. METHODS Using a randomized, cross-over design, plasticity was assessed using TBS in the left motor cortex (M1) in 31 autistic adults and 30 sex-, intelligence quotient-, and age-matched controls. Autistic adults (n = 29) were further randomized (1:1) to receive a single session of active (n = 14) or sham (n = 15) rTMS (6000 pulses at 20 Hz) over left M1 and plasticity was reassessed on the next day following rTMS. RESULTS Both long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) were significantly increased in the ASD group, indicating hyperplasticity. Active, but not sham rTMS, attenuated LTD in autistic adults. CONCLUSIONS We provided further evidence for the presence of brain hyperplasticity in ASD. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show preliminary evidence that an excessive LTD in ASD can be 'stabilized' using rTMS. Such 'stabilizing' effect of rTMS on LTP was not observed, likely due to small sample size or a more specific 'attenuating' effect of rTMS on LTD, compared to LTP. SIGNIFICANCE These findings indicate atypical brain inhibitory mechanisms behind hyperplasticity in ASD. Utilizing a larger sample, future replication studies could investigate therapeutic opportunities of 'mechanism-driven' rTMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pushpal Desarkar
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie H Ameis
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel M Blumberger
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zafiris J Daskalakis
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Casanova MF, Shaban M, Ghazal M, El-Baz AS, Casanova EL, Sokhadze EM. Ringing Decay of Gamma Oscillations and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2021; 46:161-173. [PMID: 33877491 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-021-09509-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Research suggest that in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) a disturbance in the coordinated interactions of neurons within local networks gives rise to abnormal patterns of brainwave activity in the gamma bandwidth. Low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been proven to normalize gamma oscillation abnormalities, executive functions, and repetitive behaviors in high functioning ASD individuals. In this study, gamma frequency oscillations in response to a visual classification task (Kanizsa figures) were analyzed and compared in 19 ASD (ADI-R diagnosed, 14.2 ± 3.61 years old, 5 girls) and 19 (14.8 ± 3.67 years old, 5 girls) age/gender matched neurotypical individuals. The ASD group was treated with low frequency TMS (1.0 Hz, 90% motor threshold, 18 weekly sessions) targeting the DLPFC. In autistic subjects, as compared to neurotypicals, significant differences in event-related gamma oscillations were evident in amplitude (higher) pre-TMS. In addition, recordings after TMS treatment in our autistic subjects revealed a significant reduction in the time period to reach peak amplitude and an increase in the decay phase (settling time). The use of a novel metric for gamma oscillations. i.e., envelope analysis, and measurements of its ringing decay allowed us to characterize the impedance of the originating neuronal circuit. The ringing decay or dampening of gamma oscillations is dependent on the inhibitory tone generated by networks of interneurons. The results suggest that the ringing decay of gamma oscillations may provide a biomarker reflective of the excitatory/inhibitory balance of the cortex and a putative outcome measure for interventions in autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Mohamed Shaban
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Mohammed Ghazal
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayman S El-Baz
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Emily L Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Estate M Sokhadze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Casanova MF, Sokhadze EM, Casanova EL, Li X. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neuropathological Underpinnings and Clinical Correlations. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2020; 35:100832. [PMID: 32892959 PMCID: PMC7477302 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2020.100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite growing knowledge about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), research findings have not been translated into curative treatment. At present, most therapeutic interventions provide for symptomatic treatment. Outcomes of interventions are judged by subjective endpoints (eg, behavioral assessments) which alongside the highly heterogeneous nature of ASD account for wide variability in the effectiveness of treatments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is one of the first treatments that targets a putative core pathologic feature of autism, specifically the cortical inhibitory imbalance that alters gamma frequency synchronization. Studies show that low frequency TMS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with ASD decreases the power of gamma activity and increases the difference between gamma responses to target and nontarget stimuli. TMS improves executive function skills related to self-monitoring behaviors and the ability to apply corrective actions. These improvements manifest themselves as a reduction of stimulus bound behaviors and diminished sympathetic arousal. Results become more significant with increasing number of sessions and bear synergism when used along with neurofeedback. When applied at low frequencies in individuals with ASD, TMS appears to be safe and to improve multiple patient-oriented outcomes. Future studies should be conducted in large populations to establish predictors of outcomes (eg, genetic profiling), length of persistence of benefits, and utility of booster sessions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel F. Casanova
- Director of Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Greenville Health System, Departments of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Greenville, SC, USA and Professor of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Estate M. Sokhadze
- Research Professor, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Emily L. Casanova
- Research Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Director, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Casanova MF, Sokhadze EM, Casanova EL, Opris I, Abujadi C, Marcolin MA, Li X. Translational Neuroscience in Autism: From Neuropathology to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapies. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2020; 43:229-248. [PMID: 32439019 PMCID: PMC7245584 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The presence of heterotopias, increased regional density of neurons at the gray-white matter junction, and focal cortical dysplasias all suggest an abnormality of neuronal migration in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The abnormality is borne from a dissonance in timing between radial and tangentially migrating neuroblasts to the developing cortical plate. The uncoupling of excitatory and inhibitory cortical cells disturbs the coordinated interactions of neurons within local networks, thus providing abnormal patterns of brainwave activity in the gamma bandwidth. In ASD, gamma oscillation abnormalities and autonomic markers offer measures of therapeutic progress and help in the identification of subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Greenville Health System, 200 Patewood Drive, Suite A200, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
| | - Estate M Sokhadze
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 200 Patewood Drive, Greenville, SC 29615, USA
| | - Emily L Casanova
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 200 Patewood Drive, Greenville, SC 29615, USA. https://twitter.com/EmLyWill
| | - Ioan Opris
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Caio Abujadi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio Marcolin
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Casanova MF, Casanova EL. The modular organization of the cerebral cortex: Evolutionary significance and possible links to neurodevelopmental conditions. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:1720-1730. [PMID: 30303529 PMCID: PMC6784310 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The recognition of discernible anatomical regularities that appear to self-organize during development makes apparent the modular organization of the cerebral cortex. The metabolic cost engendered in sustaining interneuronal communications has emphasized the viability of short connections among neighboring neurons. This pattern of connectivity establishes a microcircuit which is repeated in parallel throughout the cerebral cortex. This canonical circuit is contained within the smallest module of information processing of the cerebral cortex; one which Vernon Mountcastle called the minicolumn. Plasticity within the brain is accounted, in part, by the presence of weak linkages that allow minicolumns to process information from a variety of sources and to quickly adapt to environmental exigencies without a need for genetic change. Recent research suggests that interlaminar correlated firing between minicolumns during the decision phase of target selection provides for the emergence of some executive functions. Bottlenecks of information processing within this modular minicolumnar organization may account for a variety of mental disorders observed in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Emily L Casanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Health System, Greenville, South Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Petanjek Z, Sedmak D, Džaja D, Hladnik A, Rašin MR, Jovanov-Milosevic N. The Protracted Maturation of Associative Layer IIIC Pyramidal Neurons in the Human Prefrontal Cortex During Childhood: A Major Role in Cognitive Development and Selective Alteration in Autism. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:122. [PMID: 30923504 PMCID: PMC6426783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human specific cognitive shift starts around the age of 2 years with the onset of self-awareness, and continues with extraordinary increase in cognitive capacities during early childhood. Diffuse changes in functional connectivity in children aged 2-6 years indicate an increase in the capacity of cortical network. Interestingly, structural network complexity does not increase during this time and, thus, it is likely to be induced by selective maturation of a specific neuronal subclass. Here, we provide an overview of a subclass of cortico-cortical neurons, the associative layer IIIC pyramids of the human prefrontal cortex. Their local axonal collaterals are in control of the prefrontal cortico-cortical output, while their long projections modulate inter-areal processing. In this way, layer IIIC pyramids are the major integrative element of cortical processing, and changes in their connectivity patterns will affect global cortical functioning. Layer IIIC neurons have a unique pattern of dendritic maturation. In contrast to other classes of principal neurons, they undergo an additional phase of extensive dendritic growth during early childhood, and show characteristic molecular changes. Taken together, circuits associated with layer IIIC neurons have the most protracted period of developmental plasticity. This unique feature is advanced but also provides a window of opportunity for pathological events to disrupt normal formation of cognitive circuits involving layer IIIC neurons. In this manuscript, we discuss how disrupted dendritic and axonal maturation of layer IIIC neurons may lead into global cortical disconnectivity, affecting development of complex communication and social abilities. We also propose a model that developmentally dictated incorporation of layer IIIC neurons into maturing cortico-cortical circuits between 2 to 6 years will reveal a previous (perinatal) lesion affecting other classes of principal neurons. This "disclosure" of pre-existing functionally silent lesions of other neuronal classes induced by development of layer IIIC associative neurons, or their direct alteration, could be found in different forms of autism spectrum disorders. Understanding the gene-environment interaction in shaping cognitive microcircuitries may be fundamental for developing rehabilitation and prevention strategies in autism spectrum and other cognitive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zdravko Petanjek
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dora Sedmak
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Džaja
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Hladnik
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mladen Roko Rašin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Nataša Jovanov-Milosevic
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sokhadze EM, Lamina EV, Casanova EL, Kelly DP, Opris I, Tasman A, Casanova MF. Exploratory Study of rTMS Neuromodulation Effects on Electrocortical Functional Measures of Performance in an Oddball Test and Behavioral Symptoms in Autism. Front Syst Neurosci 2018; 12:20. [PMID: 29892214 PMCID: PMC5985329 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2018.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no accepted pathology to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) but research suggests the presence of an altered excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) bias in the cerebral cortex. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) offers a non-invasive means of modulating the E/I cortical bias with little in terms of side effects. In this study, 124 high functioning ASD children (IQ > 80, <18 years of age) were recruited and assigned using randomization to either a waitlist group or one of three different number of weekly rTMS sessions (i.e., 6, 12, and 18). TMS consisted of trains of 1.0 Hz frequency pulses applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The experimental task was a visual oddball with illusory Kanizsa figures. Behavioral response variables included reaction time and error rate along with such neurophysiological indices such as stimulus and response-locked event-related potentials (ERP). One hundred and twelve patients completed the assigned number of TMS sessions. Results showed significant changes from baseline to posttest period in the following measures: motor responses accuracy [lower percentage of committed errors, slower latency of commission errors and restored normative post-error reaction time slowing in both early and later-stage ERP indices, enhanced magnitude of error-related negativity (ERN), improved error monitoring and post-error correction functions]. In addition, screening surveys showed significant reductions in aberrant behavior ratings and in both repetitive and stereotypic behaviors. These differences increased with the total number of treatment sessions. Our results suggest that rTMS, particularly after 18 sessions, facilitates cognitive control, attention and target stimuli recognition by improving discrimination between task-relevant and task-irrelevant illusory figures in an oddball test. The noted improvement in executive functions of behavioral performance monitoring further suggests that TMS has the potential to target core features of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estate M. Sokhadze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Eva V. Lamina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, United States
| | - Emily L. Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, United States
| | - Desmond P. Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC, United States
| | - Ioan Opris
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Allan Tasman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sokhadze EM, Lamina EV, Casanova EL, Kelly DP, Opris I, Khachidze I, Casanova MF. Atypical Processing of Novel Distracters in a Visual Oddball Task in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Sci (Basel) 2017; 7:bs7040079. [PMID: 29144422 PMCID: PMC5746688 DOI: 10.3390/bs7040079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show abnormalities in P3b to targets in standard oddball tasks. The present study employed a three-stimulus visual oddball task with novel distracters that analyzed event-related potentials (ERP) to both target and non-target items at frontal and parietal sites. The task tested the hypothesis that children with autism are abnormally orienting attention to distracters probably due to impaired habituation to novelty. We predicted a lower selectivity in early ERPs to target, frequent non-target, and rare distracters. We also expected delayed late ERPs in autism. The study enrolled 32 ASD and 24 typically developing (TD) children. Reaction time (RT) and accuracy were analyzed as behavioral measures, while ERPs were recorded with a dense-array EEG system. Children with ASD showed higher error rate without normative post-error RT slowing and had lower error-related negativity. Parietal P1, frontal N1, as well as P3a and P3b components were higher to novels in ASD. Augmented exogenous ERPs suggest low selectivity in pre-processing of stimuli resulting in their excessive processing at later stages. The results suggest an impaired habituation to unattended stimuli that incurs a high load at the later stages of perceptual and cognitive processing and response selection when novel distracter stimuli are differentiated from targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estate M Sokhadze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, 200 Patewood Dr., Ste A200, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
- Developmental Behavioral Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
| | - Eva V Lamina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, 200 Patewood Dr., Ste A200, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
| | - Emily L Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, 200 Patewood Dr., Ste A200, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
- Developmental Behavioral Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
| | - Desmond P Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, 200 Patewood Dr., Ste A200, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
- Developmental Behavioral Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
| | - Ioan Opris
- School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Irma Khachidze
- Centre of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotya str., Tbilisi 0160, Georgia.
| | - Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, 200 Patewood Dr., Ste A200, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
- Developmental Behavioral Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC 29615, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Donaldson PH, Kirkovski M, Rinehart NJ, Enticott PG. Autism-relevant traits interact with temporoparietal junction stimulation effects on social cognition: a high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation and electroencephalography study. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 47:669-681. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter H. Donaldson
- Deakin Child Study Centre; School of Psychology; Deakin University; Locked Bag 20000; Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Melissa Kirkovski
- Deakin Child Study Centre; School of Psychology; Deakin University; Locked Bag 20000; Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Nicole J. Rinehart
- Deakin Child Study Centre; School of Psychology; Deakin University; Locked Bag 20000; Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Peter G. Enticott
- Deakin Child Study Centre; School of Psychology; Deakin University; Locked Bag 20000; Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Barbeau WE. Neonatal and regressive forms of autism: Diseases with similar symptoms but a different etiology. Med Hypotheses 2017; 109:46-52. [PMID: 29150292 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be a debilitating, life-long neurocognitive disease. ASD is caused by genetic and epigenetic factors and largely unknown and poorly understood environmental triggers. Signs and symptoms of ASD often appear in the first year of life while the disease strikes other infants who had previously been developing normally at around 2years of age. Ozonoff and her colleagues recently suggested that there are three different pathways or trajectories for the development of ASD in infants 6-24months of age. I hypothesize that pathway 1 is caused by in utero insult/injury, pathway 2 by obstetric complications at birth, and pathway 3 by environmental triggers of ASD affecting infants 0-3years of age. Faster progress can be made in elucidating the underlying causes of neonatal and regressive forms of ASD if the diseases are investigated separately, instead of being part of the same disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William E Barbeau
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Peripheral Inflammatory Markers Contributing to Comorbidities in Autism. Behav Sci (Basel) 2016; 6:bs6040029. [PMID: 27983615 PMCID: PMC5197942 DOI: 10.3390/bs6040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the contribution of peripheral biomarkers to comorbidities and clinical findings in autism. Seventeen autistic children and age-matched typically developing (AMTD), between three to nine years old were evaluated. The diagnostic followed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DMS-IV) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was applied to classify the severity. Cytokine profile was evaluated in plasma using a sandwich type ELISA. Paraclinical events included electroencephalography (EEG) record. Statistical analysis was done to explore significant differences in cytokine profile between autism and AMTD groups and respect clinical and paraclinical parameters. Significant differences were found to IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-12p40, and IL-12p70 cytokines in individuals with autism compared with AMTD (p < 0.05). All autistic patients showed interictalepileptiform activity at EEG, however, only 37.5% suffered epilepsy. There was not a regional focalization of the abnormalities that were detectable with EEG in autistic patients with history of epilepsy. A higher IL-6 level was observed in patients without history of epilepsy with interictalepileptiform activity in the frontal brain region, p < 0.05. In conclusion, peripheral inflammatory markers might be useful as potential biomarkers to predict comorbidities in autism as well as reinforce and aid informed decision-making related to EEG findings in children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang Y, Hensley MK, Tasman A, Sears L, Casanova MF, Sokhadze EM. Heart Rate Variability and Skin Conductance During Repetitive TMS Course in Children with Autism. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2016; 41:47-60. [PMID: 26341093 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-015-9311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder marked by difficulty in social interactions and communication. ASD also often present symptoms of autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning abnormalities. In individuals with autism the sympathetic branch of the ANS presents an over-activation on a background of the parasympathetic activity deficits, creating an autonomic imbalance, evidenced by a faster heart rate with little variation and increased tonic electrodermal activity. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of 12 sessions of 0.5 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on autonomic activity in children with ASD. Electrocardiogram and skin conductance level (SCL) were recorded and analyzed during each session of rTMS. The measures of interest were time domain (i.e., R-R intervals, standard deviation of cardiac intervals, NN50-cardio-intervals >50 ms different from preceding interval) and frequency domain heart rate variability (HRV) indices [i.e., power of high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) components of HRV spectrum, LF/HF ratio]. Based on our prior pilot studies it was proposed that the course of 12 weekly inhibitory low-frequency rTMS bilaterally applied to the DLPFC will improve autonomic balance probably through improved frontal inhibition of the ANS activity, and will be manifested in an increased length of cardiointervals and their variability, and in higher frequency-domain HRV in a form of increased HF power, decreased LF power, resulting in decreased LF/HF ratio, and in decreased SCL. Our post-12 TMS results showed significant increases in cardiac intervals variability measures and decrease of tonic SCL indicative of increased cardiac vagal control and reduced sympathetic arousal. Behavioral evaluations showed decreased irritability, hyperactivity, stereotype behavior and compulsive behavior ratings that correlated with several autonomic variables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai St., Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brain oscillations and connectivity in autism spectrum disorders (ASD): new approaches to methodology, measurement and modelling. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:601-620. [PMID: 27720724 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although atypical social behaviour remains a key characterisation of ASD, the presence of sensory and perceptual abnormalities has been given a more central role in recent classification changes. An understanding of the origins of such aberrations could thus prove a fruitful focus for ASD research. Early neurocognitive models of ASD suggested that the study of high frequency activity in the brain as a measure of cortical connectivity might provide the key to understanding the neural correlates of sensory and perceptual deviations in ASD. As our review shows, the findings from subsequent research have been inconsistent, with a lack of agreement about the nature of any high frequency disturbances in ASD brains. Based on the application of new techniques using more sophisticated measures of brain synchronisation, direction of information flow, and invoking the coupling between high and low frequency bands, we propose a framework which could reconcile apparently conflicting findings in this area and would be consistent both with emerging neurocognitive models of autism and with the heterogeneity of the condition.
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang Y, Sokhadze EM, El-Baz AS, Li X, Sears L, Casanova MF, Tasman A. Relative Power of Specific EEG Bands and Their Ratios during Neurofeedback Training in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 9:723. [PMID: 26834615 PMCID: PMC4712412 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofeedback is a mode of treatment that is potentially useful for improving self-regulation skills in persons with autism spectrum disorder. We proposed that operant conditioning of EEG in neurofeedback mode can be accompanied by changes in the relative power of EEG bands. However, the details on the change of the relative power of EEG bands during neurofeedback training course in autism are not yet well explored. In this study, we analyzed the EEG recordings of children diagnosed with autism and enrolled in a prefrontal neurofeedback treatment course. The protocol used in this training was aimed at increasing the ability to focus attention, and the procedure represented the wide band EEG amplitude suppression training along with upregulation of the relative power of gamma activity. Quantitative EEG analysis was completed for each session of neurofeedback using wavelet transform to determine the relative power of gamma and theta/beta ratio, and further to detect the statistical changes within and between sessions. We found a linear decrease of theta/beta ratio and a liner increase of relative power of gamma activity over 18 weekly sessions of neurofeedback in 18 high functioning children with autism. The study indicates that neurofeedback is an effective method for altering EEG characteristics associated with the autism spectrum disorder. Also, it provides information about specific changes of EEG activities and details the correlation between changes of EEG and neurofeedback indexes during the course of neurofeedback. This pilot study contributes to the development of more effective approaches to EEG data analysis during prefrontal neurofeedback training in autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
- Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Estate M. Sokhadze
- Department of Bioengineering, J.B Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY, USA
- Greenville Health System, Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine GreenvilleGreenville, SC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of MedicineLouisville, KY, USA
| | - Ayman S. El-Baz
- Department of Bioengineering, J.B Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY, USA
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
- Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of MedicineLouisville, KY, USA
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Greenville Health System, Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine GreenvilleGreenville, SC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of MedicineLouisville, KY, USA
| | - Allan Tasman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of MedicineLouisville, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Desarkar P, Rajji TK, Ameis SH, Daskalakis ZJ. Assessing and Stabilizing Aberrant Neuroplasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Potential Role of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:124. [PMID: 26441685 PMCID: PMC4563147 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exciting developments have taken place in the neuroscience research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and results from these studies indicate that brain in ASD is associated with aberrant neuroplasticity. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has rapidly evolved to become a widely used, safe, and non-invasive neuroscientific tool to investigate a variety of neurophysiological processes, including neuroplasticity. The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of TMS in ASD is beginning to be realized. In this article, we briefly reviewed evidence of aberrant neuroplasticity in ASD, suggested future directions in assessing neuroplasticity using repetitive TMS (rTMS), and discussed the potential of rTMS in rectifying aberrant neuroplasticity in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pushpal Desarkar
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Stephanie H Ameis
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Research Imaging Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Zafiris Jeff Daskalakis
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada
| |
Collapse
|