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Tsai LP, Luo DZ, Chan H, Hung WC, Lai WS, Min MY, Wong SB. Implication of locus coeruleus dysfunction in Prader-Willi syndrome: Insights from a mouse model. Exp Neurol 2024; 381:114927. [PMID: 39159912 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystemic disorder. Notably, many characteristic symptoms of PWS are correlated with locus coeruleus norepinephrine system (LC-NE) dysfunction, including impairment in arousal, learning, pain modulation, and stress-induced negative affective states. Although electrophysiological experiments in necdin-deficient mice, an established PWS animal model, have revealed decreased spontaneous neuronal firing activity in the LC and impaired excitability, the behavioral phenotypes related to LC-NE dysfunction remain unexplored. In this study, heterozygous necdin-deficient mice (B6.Cg-Ndntm1ky) were bred from wild-type (WT) females to generate WT (+m/+p) and heterozygous (+m/-p) animals. Compared to WT mice, Ndn + m/-p mice demonstrated impaired visual-spatial memory in the Y-maze test, reduced social interaction, impaired sexual recognition, and shorter falling latency on the Rotarod. Using the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM), we observed similar locomotion activity of Ndn + m/-p and WT mice, but Ndn + m/-p mice were less anxious. After acute restraint, Ndn + m/-p mice exhibited significant impairment in stress-induced anxiety. Additionally, the plasma norepinephrine surge following exposure to acute restraint stress was also impaired. Pretreatment with atomoxetine, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor aimed to enhance LC function, restored Ndn + m/-p mice to exhibit a normal response to acute restraint stress. Furthermore, by employing chemogenetic approaches to facilitate LC neuronal firing, post-stress anxious responses were also partially rescued in Ndn + m/-p mice. These data strongly suggest that LC dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of stress-related neuropsychiatric symptoms in PWS. Manipulation of LC activity may hold therapeutic potential for patients with PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97071, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Heping Fuyou Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 100027, Taiwan
| | - Da-Zhong Luo
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hao Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan; Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Hung
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan; Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Sung Lai
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuan Min
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Bing Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97071, Taiwan.
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Ertas-Spantgar F, Hildebrandt H, Gabel A, Schiering I, Müller SV. Enhancing task performance in adults with intellectual disability through modified goal management training and assistive technology with errorless learning: A randomized controlled trial. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024:1-22. [PMID: 39102381 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2024.2384518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with intellectual disabilities often fail to learn complex tasks. Modified Goal Management Training (mGMT) or Errorless Learning combined with assistive technology (App + EL) can help. The goal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of mGMT and/or App + EL in learning complex tasks. We employed a randomized controlled crossover design. One group started with mGMT (N = 16), and the other with App + EL (N = 15). We compared their performance with that of a passive control group (N = 15). The training consisted of six sessions of 30 minutes each. Success was analyzed using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Three different tasks were assessed before and after each intervention period: "Practiced", "Non-Practiced", or "Previously Practiced". Generalization was evaluated through neuropsychological tests. Results indicated that both interventions significantly improved "Practiced" tasks compared with "Non-Practiced" tasks and the control group. Crossing the intervention did not interfere with the stable performance on the "Previously Practiced" task. However, starting with mGMT reduced, but did not eliminate, the efficacy of App + EL after crossing, but this pattern was not observed for the reverse sequence. Only the Tower of London task documented improvements related to interventions. In conclusion, the mGMT and App + EL were effective in learning complex tasks and retaining performance after learning a second task.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00021674.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funda Ertas-Spantgar
- Faculty of Social Work, Ostfalia University of Applied Science, Wolfenbüttel, Germany
- Day-care hospital for culturally sensitive psychiatry and psychotherapy, Klinkum Wahrendorff, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helmut Hildebrandt
- Faculty of Neurocognitive Psychology, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Bremen-Ost, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alexander Gabel
- Faculty of Computer Science, Ostfalia University of Applied Science, Wolfenbüttel, Germany
| | - Ina Schiering
- Faculty of Computer Science, Ostfalia University of Applied Science, Wolfenbüttel, Germany
| | - Sandra Verena Müller
- Faculty of Social Work, Ostfalia University of Applied Science, Wolfenbüttel, Germany
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Pradeau C, Estival S, Postal V, Laurier V, Maugard C, Isner-Horobeti ME, Mourre F, Krasny-Pacini A. A pilot rating system to evaluate the quality of goal attainment scales used as outcome measures in rehabilitation. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024:1-32. [PMID: 38805592 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2024.2343150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a method for writing person-centred approach evaluation scales that can be used as an outcome measure in clinical or research settings in rehabilitation. To be used in a research setting, it requires a high methodological quality approach. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and reliability of the GAS quality rating system, to ensure that GAS scales used as outcome measures are valid and reliable. Secondary objectives were: (1) to compare goal attainment scores' reliability according to how many GAS levels are described in the scale; and (2) to explore if GAS scorings are influenced by who scores goal attainment. The GAS scales analysed here were set collaboratively by 57 cognitively impaired adults clients and their occupational therapist. Goals had to be achieved within an inpatient one-month stay, during which clients participated in an intervention aimed at improving planning skills in daily life. The GAS quality rating system proved to be feasible and reliable. Regarding GAS scores, interrater reliability was higher when only three of the five GAS levels were described, i.e., "three milestone GAS" (0.74-0.92), than when all five levels were described (0.5-0.88), especially when scored by the clients (0.5 -0.88).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Pradeau
- Pôle de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de Réadaptation Clemenceau (IURC) Strasbourg, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - Severine Estival
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Virginie Postal
- Laboratoire de Psychologie EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - Marie-Eve Isner-Horobeti
- Pôle de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de Réadaptation Clemenceau (IURC) Strasbourg, Strasbourg cedex, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg University"Mitochondrie, stress oxydant et protection musculaire", Bordeaux, France
| | - Fabien Mourre
- Hôpital Marin APHP, Unité Prader-Willi, Hendaye, France
| | - Agata Krasny-Pacini
- Pôle de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de Réadaptation Clemenceau (IURC) Strasbourg, Strasbourg cedex, France
- Strasbourg Translational Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Inserm, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Jin YY, Luo FH. Early psychomotor development and growth hormone therapy in children with Prader-Willi syndrome: a review. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1021-1036. [PMID: 37987848 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05327-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the loss of imprinted gene expression on the paternal chromosome 15q11-q13. PWS is characterized by varying degrees of early psychomotor developmental deficits, primarily in cognition, language, and motor development. This review summarizes the early mental cognitive development, language development, and motor development in patients with PWS, compares the correlation of genotype with phenotype, and provides an update regarding the effects and concerns related to potential main side effects of treatment with recombinant human growth hormone on early psycho-cognitive and motor function development along with the linear growth and body composition of children with PWS.Conclusion: Early psychomotor development is strongly correlated with the prognosis of patients with PWS; moreover, current studies support that the initiation of interventions at an early age can exert significant beneficial effects on enhancing the cognitive and linguistic development of patients with PWS and allow them to "catch up" with motor development. What is Known: • Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by multisystem damage, and children with Prader-Willi syndrome are typically characterized by early developmental delays, specifically in the areas of cognitive and motor development. • Recombinant human growth hormone therapy is the only medical treatment approved for Prader-Willi syndrome. What is New: • Extensive presentation of psycho-cognitive and motor development features and genotype-phenotype correlation in children with Prader-Willi syndrome. • The effects of growth hormone on early psychomotor development in children with Prader-Willi syndrome were thoroughly reviewed, including their short- and long-term outcomes and any associated adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yu Jin
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wan Yuan Road, Min Hang District, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Fei-Hong Luo
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wan Yuan Road, Min Hang District, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Camblats AM, Mathey S, Robert C, Estival S, Chevalère J, Maire J, Tauber M, Laurier V, Tricot J, Mourre F, Postal V. Interference effect of food and emotional stimuli in Stroop-like tasks for children and adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37113059 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2207777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Interference effect of food and emotional stimuli in Stroop-like tasks for children and adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome. The aim of this work was to study the way items related to food or emotion are processed by a population known to have difficulties with dietary restriction, namely individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Given the presence of intellectual disability (ID) in PWS, our experiments were designed to examine whether these difficulties were specific to PWS or linked with their ID. Two modified Stroop tasks (i.e., a food version and an emotional version) were administered to seventy-four children (aged between 6 and 16 years old) divided into three groups (one with PWS, one with ID matched on age and Intellectual Quotient (IQ), and one healthy group matched on age) and to eighty-four adults (aged between 18 and 48 years old) distributed in the same three groups. For both tasks, a picture version was used for the children and a word version for the adults. For the food Stroop task, (Experiment 1), materials were composed of low or high-caloric food items and stimuli not related to food. The results show a food Stroop effect for children and adults with PWS that was absent in the group of healthy participants. Moreover, a food Stroop effect was also significant for adults with ID. For the emotional Stroop task (Experiment 2), materials were composed of negative, positive and neutral stimuli. The emotional Stroop effect was also obtained for children and adults with PWS as well as for the healthy group, but not for the age- and IQ-matched group. For the PWS groups, results show a preservation to process positive pictures for children and difficulties to process negative stimuli for both age-groups. These results suggest that people with PWS have difficulties in disengaging their attention when food stimuli are present in their environment and poorer abilities to process negative ones. These difficulties endure in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphanie Mathey
- laboratoire de Psychologie EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christelle Robert
- laboratoire de Psychologie EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Séverine Estival
- laboratoire de Psychologie EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Johann Chevalère
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive (LAPSCO), UMR 6024, CNRS & Université Clermont-Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jenna Maire
- Unité de recherche CERES, Institut Catholique de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Maïthé Tauber
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Virginie Laurier
- Centre de Référence des maladies rares PRADORT pour le Syndrome de Prader-Willi et autres et autres Obésités Rares avec TCA, AP-HP Hôpital Marin, Hendaye, France
| | - Julie Tricot
- Centre de Référence des maladies rares PRADORT pour le Syndrome de Prader-Willi et autres et autres Obésités Rares avec TCA, AP-HP Hôpital Marin, Hendaye, France
| | - Fabien Mourre
- Centre de Référence des maladies rares PRADORT pour le Syndrome de Prader-Willi et autres et autres Obésités Rares avec TCA, AP-HP Hôpital Marin, Hendaye, France
| | - Virginie Postal
- laboratoire de Psychologie EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Comparison of Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Cardiometabolic Profile in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315115. [PMID: 36499438 PMCID: PMC9739027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Syndromic and non-syndromic obesity conditions in children, such as Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), both lower quality of life and increase risk for chronic health complications, which further increase health service utilization and cost. In a pilot observational study, we compared body composition and muscle strength in children aged 7−18 years with either PWS (n = 9), NAFLD (n = 14), or healthy controls (n = 16). Anthropometric and body composition measures (e.g., body weight, circumferences, skinfolds, total/segmental composition, and somatotype), handgrip strength, six minute-walk-test (6MWT), physical activity, and markers of liver and cardiometabolic dysfunction (e.g., ALT, AST, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and lipid profile) were measured using standard procedures and validated tools. Genotyping was determined for children with PWS. Children with PWS had reduced lean body mass (total/lower limb mass), lower handgrip strength, 6MWT and increased sedentary activity compared to healthy children or those with NAFLD (p < 0.05). Children with PWS, including those of normal body weight, had somatotypes consistent with relative increased adiposity (endomorphic) and reduced skeletal muscle robustness (mesomorphic) when compared to healthy children and those with NAFLD. Somatotype characterizations were independent of serum markers of cardiometabolic dysregulation but were associated with increased prevalence of abnormal systolic and diastolic blood pressure Z-scores (p < 0.05). Reduced lean body mass and endomorphic somatotypes were associated with lower muscle strength/functionality and sedentary lifestyles, particularly in children with PWS. These findings are relevant as early detection of deficits in muscle strength and functionality can ensure effective targeted treatments that optimize physical activity and prevent complications into adulthood.
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Chevalère J, Camblats AM, Laurier V, Mourre F, Estival S, Postal V. The influence of emotional contexts on mental flexibility in Prader-Willi syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:133-150. [PMID: 33491829 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study investigated the influence of emotional contexts on mental flexibility in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) using a voluntary task-switching paradigm that was implemented with emotionally valenced pictures. The study aims were to assess whether adults with PWS have impaired switching abilities, whether the deficit is specific to PWS or linked to intellectual disabilities, and the influence of emotional contexts on performance. METHOD The task-switching performance of 30 adults with PWS was compared with that of 30 healthy adults matched on chronological age, and to that of 30 adults with intellectual disabilities but without PWS, matched on intellectual quotient level and chronological age. Indicators of switching performance were switching cost and repetition bias. Emotional contexts were operationalised with positive, neutral and negative task-irrelevant pictures. RESULTS Adults with PWS showed a large increase in switching costs compared with the two control groups, and this effect did not vary across emotional contexts. More fine-tuned examination revealed subtle performance modulations: negative contexts tended to increase the repetition bias in all three groups while positive contexts slowed down global performance in PWS. CONCLUSIONS The results confirmed previous studies, showing impaired switching abilities in PWS over and beyond the influence of intellectual level, but revealed no robust variations in switching deficits across emotional contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chevalère
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive (LAPSCO), UMR 6024, CNRS & Univ. Clermont-Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Psychologie, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - A-M Camblats
- Laboratoire de Psychologie, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Laurier
- AP-HP Hôpital Marin, Hendaye, France
| | - F Mourre
- AP-HP Hôpital Marin, Hendaye, France
| | - S Estival
- Laboratoire de Psychologie, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Postal
- Laboratoire de Psychologie, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore motor praxis in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in comparison with a control group of people with intellectual disability (ID) and to examine the relationship with brain structural measurements. METHOD Thirty adult participants with PWS and 132 with ID of nongenetic etiology (matched by age, sex, and ID level) were assessed using a comprehensive evaluation of the praxis function, which included pantomime of tool use, imitation of meaningful and meaningless gestures, motor sequencing, and constructional praxis. RESULTS Results support specific praxis difficulties in PWS, with worse performance in the imitation of motor actions and better performance in constructional praxis than ID peers. Compared with both control groups, PWS showed increased gray matter volume in sensorimotor and subcortical regions. However, we found no obvious association between these alterations and praxis performance. Instead, praxis scores correlated with regional volume measures in distributed apparently normal brain areas. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are consistent in showing significant impairment in gesture imitation abilities in PWS and, otherwise, further indicate that the visuospatial praxis domain is relatively preserved. Praxis disability in PWS was not associated with a specific, focal alteration of brain anatomy. Altered imitation gestures could, therefore, be a consequence of widespread brain dysfunction. However, the specific contribution of key brain structures (e.g., areas containing mirror neurons) should be more finely tested in future research.
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Estival S, Laurier V, Mourre F, Postal V. Improvement of Planning Abilities in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Dev Neurorehabil 2021; 24:478-493. [PMID: 34184596 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.1915405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder with executive deficits. Planning is one of the impaired executive functions implied in the regulation of behavior and everyday actions. We aimed to explore the feasibility and the effectiveness of a metacognitive strategy training designed to improve planning in adults with PWS using a double-blind between-group (training versus usual care) randomized controlled trial, with computerized tests and paper-pencil ecological outcome measures targeting planning, other executive functions, and achievement of personalized goal. Results showed better performances in several executive tasks and in achievement of personalized goals after both interventions, but better improvement for the experimental group (n = 27) compared to control (n = 26) only on the task assessing planning abilities. Interviews with occupational therapists demonstrated the feasibility of this training with this population. Despite a small number of sessions, the metacognitive strategy training showed encouraging results on planning abilities of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Estival
- Laboratoire de Psychologie LabPsy EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Fabien Mourre
- Hôpital Marin AP-HP, Unité Prader-Willi, Hendaye, France
| | - Virginie Postal
- Laboratoire de Psychologie LabPsy EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Estival S, Chevalère J, Laurier V, Mourre F, Tricot J, Postal V. Study of the deficit in planning abilities of adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 117:104056. [PMID: 34371306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex developmental genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability and deficits in executive functions which result in disorganisation and poor personal autonomy. AIMS This study aimed to determine impairments in planning skills of adults with PWS, in relation with their intellectual disabilities, as well as the influence of food compulsions on their performance. METHODS AND PROCEDURES A modified version of the Zoo Map from the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome was used in three groups: a group of adults with PWS in comparison with two groups both matched on chronological age, one with typical development (TD) and one with intellectual disability (ID). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Compared to TD adults, both adults with PWS and ID showed increased planning time and lower raw scores on the planning task. The execution time and the number of errors were higher in the PWS group compared to the comparison groups. All three groups performed worse in the non-food condition only for number of errors and raw score. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Planning abilities were impaired in PWS adults. Results also showed that intellectual level plays a role in participants' performance. These findings are essential to understand the difficulties of people with PWS daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Estival
- Laboratoire de Psychologie LabPsy EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, France.
| | - Johann Chevalère
- Laboratoire de Psychologie LabPsy EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Fabien Mourre
- Hôpital Marin AP-HP, Unité Prader-Willi, Hendaye, France
| | - Julie Tricot
- Hôpital Marin AP-HP, Unité Prader-Willi, Hendaye, France
| | - Virginie Postal
- Laboratoire de Psychologie LabPsy EA4139, Université de Bordeaux, France
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Zagaria T, Antonucci G, Buono S, Recupero M, Zoccolotti P. Executive Functions and Attention Processes in Adolescents and Young Adults with Intellectual Disability. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11010042. [PMID: 33401550 PMCID: PMC7823832 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: We made a comprehensive evaluation of executive functions (EFs) and attention processes in a group of adolescents and young adults with mild intellectual disability (ID). (2) Methods: 27 adolescents and young adults (14 females and 13 males) with ID, aged between 15.1 and 23 years (M = 17.4; SD = 2.04), were compared to a control group free of cognitive problems and individually matched for gender and age. (3) Results: As for EFs, individuals with ID were severely impaired on all subtests of the Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) battery. However, we also found appreciable individual differences, with eight individuals (approximately 30%) scoring within normal limits. On the attention tests, individuals with ID were not generally slower but presented specific deficits only on some attention tests (i.e., Choice Reaction Times, Color Naming and Color–Word Interference, and Shifting of Attention for Verbal and for Visual Targets).The role of a global factor (i.e., cognitive speed) was modest in contributing to the group differences; i.e., when present, group differences were selectively associated with specific task manipulations, not global differences in cognitive speed. (4) Conclusions: The study confirmed large group differences in EFs; deficits in attentional processing were more specific and occurred primarily in tasks taxing the selective dimension of attention, with performance on intensive tasks almost entirely spared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommasa Zagaria
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.B.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gabriella Antonucci
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (P.Z.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Serafino Buono
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.B.); (M.R.)
| | | | - Pierluigi Zoccolotti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (P.Z.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
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Roux-Levy PH, Bournez M, Masurel A, Jean N, Chancenotte S, Bordes M, Debomy F, Minot D, Schmitt E, Vinault S, Gautier E, Lacombe D, Odent S, Mikaty M, Manouvrier S, Ghoumid J, Geneviève D, Lehman N, Philip N, Edery P, Cornaton J, Gallard J, Héron D, Rastel C, Huet F, Thauvin-Robinet C, Verloes A, Binquet C, Tauber M, Lejeune C, Faivre L. Associations between cognitive performance and the rehabilitation, medical care and social support provided to French children with Prader-Willi syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:104064. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.104064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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13
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The RDoC approach for translational psychiatry: Could a genetic disorder with psychiatric symptoms help fill the matrix? the example of Prader-Willi syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:274. [PMID: 32772048 PMCID: PMC7415132 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00964-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Research Domain Criteria project (RDoc) proposes a new classification system based on information from several fields in order to encourage translational perspectives. Nevertheless, integrating genetic markers into this classification has remained difficult because of the lack of powerful associations between targeted genes and RDoC domains. We hypothesized that genetic diseases with psychiatric manifestations would be good models for RDoC gene investigations and would thereby extend the translational approach to involve targeted gene pathways. To explore this possibility, we reviewed the current knowledge on Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by the absence of expression of some of the genes of the chromosome 15q11-13 region inherited from the father. Indeed, we found that the associations between genes of the PW locus and the modification identified in the relevant behavioral, physiological, and brain imaging studies followed the structure of the RDoC matrix and its six domains (positive valence, negative valence, social processing, cognitive systems, arousal/regulatory systems, and sensorimotor systems).
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14
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Bueichekú E, Aznárez-Sanado M, Diez I, d'Oleire Uquillas F, Ortiz-Terán L, Qureshi AY, Suñol M, Basaia S, Ortiz-Terán E, Pastor MA, Sepulcre J. Central neurogenetic signatures of the visuomotor integration system. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6836-6843. [PMID: 32144139 PMCID: PMC7104395 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1912429117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Visuomotor impairments characterize numerous neurological disorders and neurogenetic syndromes, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Dravet, Fragile X, Prader-Willi, Turner, and Williams syndromes. Despite recent advances in systems neuroscience, the biological basis underlying visuomotor functional impairments associated with these clinical conditions is poorly understood. In this study, we used neuroimaging connectomic approaches to map the visuomotor integration (VMI) system in the human brain and investigated the topology approximation of the VMI network to the Allen Human Brain Atlas, a whole-brain transcriptome-wide atlas of cortical genetic expression. We found the genetic expression of four genes-TBR1, SCN1A, MAGEL2, and CACNB4-to be prominently associated with visuomotor integrators in the human cortex. TBR1 gene transcripts, an ASD gene whose expression is related to neural development of the cortex and the hippocampus, showed a central spatial allocation within the VMI system. Our findings delineate gene expression traits underlying the VMI system in the human cortex, where specific genes, such as TBR1, are likely to play a central role in its neuronal organization, as well as on specific phenotypes of neurogenetic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisenda Bueichekú
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Maite Aznárez-Sanado
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ibai Diez
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Neurotechnology Laboratory, Health Department, Tecnalia, E-48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Federico d'Oleire Uquillas
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Laura Ortiz-Terán
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA 02115
| | - Abid Y Qureshi
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 66160
| | - Maria Suñol
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge University Hospital, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network, Carlos III Health Institute, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Basaia
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ortiz-Terán
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Maria A Pastor
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115;
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129
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15
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Famelart N, Diene G, Çabal-Berthoumieu S, Glattard M, Molinas C, Guidetti M, Tauber M. Equivocal expression of emotions in children with Prader-Willi syndrome: what are the consequences for emotional abilities and social adjustment? Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32085791 PMCID: PMC7035757 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-1333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) experience great difficulties in social adaptation that could be explained by disturbances in emotional competencies. However, current knowledge about the emotional functioning of people with PWS is incomplete. In particular, despite being the foundation of social adaptation, their emotional expression abilities have never been investigated. In addition, motor and cognitive difficulties - characteristic of PWS - could further impair these abilities. Method To explore the expression abilities of children with PWS, twenty-five children with PWS aged 5 to 10 years were assessed for 1) their emotional facial reactions to a funny video-clip and 2) their ability to produce on demand the facial and bodily expressions of joy, anger, fear and sadness. Their productions were compared to those of two groups of children with typical development, matched to PWS children by chronological age and by developmental age. The analyses focused on the proportion of expressive patterns relating to the target emotion and to untargeted emotions in the children’s productions. Results The results showed that the facial and bodily emotional expressions of children with PWS were particularly difficult to interpret, involving a pronounced mixture of different emotional patterns. In addition, it was observed that the emotions produced on demand by PWS children were particularly poor and equivocal. Conclusions As far as we know, this study is the first to highlight the existence of particularities in the expression of emotions in PWS children. These results shed new light on emotional dysfunction in PWS and consequently on the adaptive abilities of those affected in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawelle Famelart
- CLLE, University of Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France. .,Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, Maison de la Recherche, Laboratoire CLLE, 5, allée Antonio Machado, 31058, Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
| | - Gwenaelle Diene
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Mélanie Glattard
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Catherine Molinas
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Maithe Tauber
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,CPTP, University of Toulouse, CNRS, INSERM, Toulouse, France
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16
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Debladis J, Valette M, Strenilkov K, Mantoulan C, Thuilleaux D, Laurier V, Molinas C, Barone P, Tauber M. Face processing and exploration of social signals in Prader-Willi syndrome: a genetic signature. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:262. [PMID: 31730500 PMCID: PMC6858697 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faces are critical social cues that must be perfectly processed in order to engage appropriately in everyday social interactions. In Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disorder characterized by cognitive and behavioural difficulties including autism spectrum disorder, the literature referring to face processing is sparse. Given reports of poor social interactions in individuals with PWS, we sought to assess their face and emotion recognition skills during eyetracking recordings. RESULTS Compared with controls, patients with PWS performed more poorly on face/emotion recognition. We observed atypical facial exploration by patients with maternal disomy. These patients looked preferentially at the mouth region, whereas patients with a deletion and controls were more attracted to the eye region. During social scenes, the exploration became more atypical as the social content increased. CONCLUSIONS Our comprehensive study brings new insights into the face processing of patients with PWS. Atypical facial exploration was only displayed by patients with the maternal disomy subtype, corresponding to their higher rate of autism spectrum disorder. This finding strongly argues in favor of early identification of this genetic subgroup in order to optimize care by implementing tailored interventions for each patient as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Debladis
- Brain & Cognition Research Center (CerCo), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France. .,Brain & Cognition Research Center (CerCo), CNRS, Purpan Faculty of Medicine, Toulouse, France. .,Cerveau & Cognition, CNRS UMR 5549, Pavillon Baudot, CHU Purpan, BP 25202, 31052, Toulouse Cedex, France.
| | - Marion Valette
- Prader-Willi Syndrome Reference Center, Children's Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Carine Mantoulan
- Prader-Willi Syndrome Reference Center, Children's Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Catherine Molinas
- Prader-Willi Syndrome Reference Center, Children's Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Pascal Barone
- Brain & Cognition Research Center (CerCo), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,Brain & Cognition Research Center (CerCo), CNRS, Purpan Faculty of Medicine, Toulouse, France
| | - Maïthé Tauber
- Prader-Willi Syndrome Reference Center, Children's Hospital, Toulouse, France.,Toulouse-Purpan Physiopathology Center, INSERM, Toulouse, France
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17
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Estival S, Krasny-Pacini A, Laurier V, Maugard C, Thuilleaux D, Postal V. Cognitive Training Targeting Planning Dysfunction in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome: Brief Report of a Study Protocol. Dev Neurorehabil 2019; 22:569-575. [PMID: 31355692 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1642414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder involving executive deficits notably with planning. The main objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of cognitive training on daily life planning difficulties in PWS patients. Methods/design: The study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial which will compare the effectiveness of a metacognitive strategy intervention designed to improve planning difficulties for PWS patients to usual occupational therapy. Sixty adults will be included over 20 months. The main outcome measure will be the performance on the Modified Six Elements Test from the BADS; secondary outcome measures will be computerized executive tasks and questionnaires. Daily life planning difficulties will be identified and transformed into measurable goals using Goal Attainment Scaling. Discussion: The project will provide knowledge on the difficulties experienced by PWS patients, in relation to their executive functioning in order to implement effective intervention for planning in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Krasny-Pacini
- Institut Universitaire de Réadaptation Clemenceau , Strasbourg , France.,Unité INSERM 1114 Neuropsychologie Cognitive et Physiopathologie de la Schizophrénie , Strasbourg , France.,Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtière-Charles Foix, GRC n°18 , Paris , France
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18
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Benchikhi L, Nafiaa H, Zaroual A, Ouanass A. [Psychological management of a patient with Prader Willi syndrome: case study of a young Moroccan girl]. Pan Afr Med J 2019; 33:115. [PMID: 31489093 PMCID: PMC6711685 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2019.33.115.13726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prader Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disease. Symptoms include binge eating disorder associated with the risk of morbid obesity, learning difficulties and behavioral problems or even major psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this case study is to conduct a literature review on Prader Willi syndrome and to highlight its impact on daily life, both on physical and mental health, as well as its management. We report the case of an 11-year old Moroccan girl presenting with Prader Willi syndrome. She was assisted in performing activities of daily living by using a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach which improved her quality of life. We here emphasize the primary and central role of the psychotherapist in the treatment of patients with Prader Willi syndrome which is based on counselling, motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy techniques. Prader Willi syndrome is a disease with severe psychiatric symptoms. Patient's care requires multidisciplinary team approach involving psychologist or psychiatrist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamyaa Benchikhi
- Centre des Etudes Doctorales des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie de Rabat, Université Mohammed V, Rabat, Maroc
| | - Hind Nafiaa
- Centre des Etudes Doctorales des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie de Rabat, Université Mohammed V, Rabat, Maroc
| | - Abdelaaziz Zaroual
- Centre des Etudes Doctorales des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie de Rabat, Université Mohammed V, Rabat, Maroc
| | - Abderrazzak Ouanass
- Centre des Etudes Doctorales des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie de Rabat, Université Mohammed V, Rabat, Maroc
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19
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Butler MG, Matthews NA, Patel N, Surampalli A, Gold JA, Khare M, Thompson T, Cassidy SB, Kimonis VE. Impact of genetic subtypes of Prader-Willi syndrome with growth hormone therapy on intelligence and body mass index. Am J Med Genet A 2019; 179:1826-1835. [PMID: 31313492 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genomic imprinting disorder characterized by infantile hypotonia with a poor suck and failure to thrive, hypogenitalism/hypogonadism, behavior and cognitive problems, hormone deficiencies, hyperphagia, and obesity. The Stanford Binet and Wechsler (WAIS-R; WISC-III) intelligence (IQ) tests were administered on 103 individuals with PWS from two separate cohorts [University of California, Irvine (UCI) (N = 56) and Vanderbilt University (N = 47)] and clinical information obtained including growth hormone (GH) treatment, PWS molecular classes, weight and height. Significantly higher IQ scores (p < .02) were found representing the vocabulary section of the Stanford Binet test in the growth hormone (GH) treated group when compared with non-GH treatment in the pediatric-based UCI PWS cohort with a trend for stabilization of vocabulary IQ scores with age in the GH treated maternal disomy (UPD) 15 subject group. Significant differences (p = .05) were also found in the adult-based Vanderbilt PWS cohort with 15q11-q13 deletion subjects having lower Verbal IQ scores compared with UPD 15. No difference in body mass index was identified based on the PWS molecular class or genetic subtype. Medical care and response to treatment with growth hormone may influence intelligence impacted by PWS genetic subtypes and possibly age, but more studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin G Butler
- Division of Research and Genetics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Naomi A Matthews
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Nidhi Patel
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Abhilasha Surampalli
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - June-Anne Gold
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California.,Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Loma Linda, Loma Linda, California.,Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
| | - Manaswitha Khare
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Travis Thompson
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota
| | - Suzanne B Cassidy
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Virginia E Kimonis
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California
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20
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Chevalère J, Jauregi J, Copet P, Laurier V, Thuilleaux D, Postal V. Investigation of the relationship between electrodermal and behavioural responses to executive tasks in Prader-Willi syndrome: An event-related experiment. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 85:229-242. [PMID: 30590308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent work suggests that maladaptive behaviors in genetic developmental disorders may emerge from autonomic dysfunctions impacting higher order executive functions. In Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), executive functions are not well understood and investigations of possible underlying causes at the autonomic level are lacking. AIMS This study aimed at clarifying the status of inhibition and working memory updating functions in PWS and searched for sympathetic signatures as well as to examine their links with executive performance. METHODS AND PROCEDURES The performance of thirty adults with PWS was compared to that of thirty healthy adults on two tasks assessing inhibition and working memory updating while electrodermal activity (EDA) was recorded. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS PWS adults underperformed healthy adults in the inhibition and the working memory updating tasks and showed abnormal skin conductance responses. Distinct EDA have been found in PWS and healthy adults. Furthermore, while EDA reflected distinct cognitive processes, correlations between electrodermal and behavioural data were absent when examining the two groups separately. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS PWS is associated with a slight impairment of inhibition and a severe impairment of working memory updating. Furthermore, there are specific sympathetic autonomic signatures in PWS that do not present straightforward links with executive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chevalère
- Univ. Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Psychologie, EA 4139, F33076, Bordeaux, France.
| | - J Jauregi
- Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Paseo de Arriola 2, 20018, San Sebastián, Spain; AP-HP Hôpital Marin, BP 40139, 64700, Hendaye, France.
| | - P Copet
- AP-HP Hôpital Marin, BP 40139, 64700, Hendaye, France.
| | - V Laurier
- AP-HP Hôpital Marin, BP 40139, 64700, Hendaye, France.
| | - D Thuilleaux
- AP-HP Hôpital Marin, BP 40139, 64700, Hendaye, France.
| | - V Postal
- Univ. Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Psychologie, EA 4139, F33076, Bordeaux, France.
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21
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Costa RA, Ferreira IR, Cintra HA, Gomes LHF, Guida LDC. Genotype-Phenotype Relationships and Endocrine Findings in Prader-Willi Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:864. [PMID: 31920975 PMCID: PMC6923197 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex imprinting disorder related to genomic errors that inactivate paternally-inherited genes on chromosome 15q11-q13 with severe implications on endocrine, cognitive and neurologic systems, metabolism, and behavior. The absence of expression of one or more genes at the PWS critical region contributes to different phenotypes. There are three molecular mechanisms of occurrence: paternal deletion of the 15q11-q13 region; maternal uniparental disomy 15; or imprinting defects. Although there is a clinical diagnostic consensus criteria, DNA methylation status must be confirmed through genetic testing. The endocrine system can be the most affected in PWS, and growth hormone replacement therapy provides improvement in growth, body composition, and behavioral and physical attributes. A key feature of the syndrome is the hypothalamic dysfunction that may be the basis of several endocrine symptoms. Clinical and molecular complexity in PWS enhances the importance of genetic diagnosis in therapeutic definition and genetic counseling. So far, no single gene mutation has been described to contribute to this genetic disorder or related to any exclusive symptoms. Here we proposed to review individually disrupted genes within the PWS critical region and their reported clinical phenotypes related to the syndrome. While genes such as MKRN3, MAGEL2, NDN, or SNORD115 do not address the full spectrum of PWS symptoms and are less likely to have causal implications in PWS major clinical signs, SNORD116 has emerged as a critical, and possibly, a determinant candidate in PWS, in the recent years. Besides that, the understanding of the biology of the PWS SNORD genes is fairly low at the present. These non-coding RNAs exhibit all the hallmarks of RNA methylation guides and can be incorporated into ribonucleoprotein complexes with possible hypothalamic and endocrine functions. Also, DNA conservation between SNORD sequences across placental mammals strongly suggests that they have a functional role as RNA entities on an evolutionary basis. The broad clinical spectrum observed in PWS and the absence of a clear genotype-phenotype specific correlation imply that the numerous genes involved in the syndrome have an additive deleterious effect on different phenotypes when deficiently expressed.
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22
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Haig EL, Woodcock KA. Rigidity in routines and the development of resistance to change in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2017; 61:488-500. [PMID: 28266087 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) commonly show debilitating resistance to change, which has been linked to cognitive deficits in task switching. Anecdotal reports suggest that exposure to flexibility in routines during development may be beneficial for limiting subsequent resistance to change in people with PWS, which is consistent with a beneficial role of such exposure on the development of task switching, highlighted in typical children. Here, we aim to investigate the development of resistance to change in individuals with PWS and hypothesise that exposure to increased rigidity in routines will be associated with increased subsequent resistance to change. METHODS An author-compiled informant report interview and two previously validated questionnaires were administered to the caregivers of 10 individuals with PWS (5-23 years). The interview examined rigidity in routines and resistance to change across life stages defined by easily distinguishable events (before school, during primary school, during secondary school, after school, currently), using open-ended and structured yes/no and 5-point Likert questions. Open-ended data were coded using an author-compiled system. Responses from two additional informants and data from the questionnaires were used to assess inter-informant reliability and concurrent validity of the structured questions. RESULTS The validity of the interview was supported by acceptable inter-rater reliability of the open-ended coding system and inter-informant reliability, internal consistency and concurrent validity of structured questions. Descriptive analyses of ratings of behaviour change showed a pattern of increasing resistance to change over the life course for the four oldest individuals, who had all been exposed to substantial rigidity in routines before and during primary school. Furthermore, only one individual - currently in primary school - was exposed to very little rigidity in routines before and during primary school, and he had showed a decrease in resistance to change after entering primary school. Open-ended data showed that more individuals currently evidencing little resistance to change had been exposed to parent or self-imposed flexibility in routines, than those currently evidencing substantial resistance to change. However, correlational analyses on rigidity and resistance to change ratings highlighted the possibility that rigidity during primary school is most relevant for developing resistance to change. Finally, open-ended data emphasised an important beneficial role of rigidity in routines for limiting the current challenging behaviour of individuals with high resistance to change. CONCLUSION Because task switching appears to evidence a period of high developmental sensitivity during early primary school years, we propose that this period may represent a critical time when increasing flexibility in the routines of children with PWS could limit the development of resistance to change. However, a careful balance would need to be struck, given the apparent benefit of rigid routines on current behaviour. Further work in this area is much needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Haig
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - K A Woodcock
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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23
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Whittington J, Holland A. Cognition in people with Prader-Willi syndrome: Insights into genetic influences on cognitive and social development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 72:153-167. [PMID: 27836461 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We present a mini-review of cognition in Prader-Willi syndrome. Studies cited include findings on general ability (IQ), IQ correlates with family members, strengths and weaknesses in cognitive profiles in genetic subtypes, attainment in literacy and numeracy, language, comprehension, modality preferences, executive functions, and social cognition. The latter includes investigations of theory of mind, emotion recognition, face processing and knowledge of social norms. Results from research on mouse models and brain imaging studies relevant to cognition are briefly discussed. The importance of these studies to understanding and managing education and behaviour in PWS and the limitations of the studies in terms of small numbers, non-representativeness, and lack of replication is also touched upon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony Holland
- University of Cambridge, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge, UK
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24
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Perez JD, Rubinstein ND, Dulac C. New Perspectives on Genomic Imprinting, an Essential and Multifaceted Mode of Epigenetic Control in the Developing and Adult Brain. Annu Rev Neurosci 2016; 39:347-84. [PMID: 27145912 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-061010-113708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian evolution entailed multiple innovations in gene regulation, including the emergence of genomic imprinting, an epigenetic regulation leading to the preferential expression of a gene from its maternal or paternal allele. Genomic imprinting is highly prevalent in the brain, yet, until recently, its central roles in neural processes have not been fully appreciated. Here, we provide a comprehensive survey of adult and developmental brain functions influenced by imprinted genes, from neural development and wiring to synaptic function and plasticity, energy balance, social behaviors, emotions, and cognition. We further review the widespread identification of parental biases alongside monoallelic expression in brain tissues, discuss their potential roles in dosage regulation of key neural pathways, and suggest possible mechanisms underlying the dynamic regulation of imprinting in the brain. This review should help provide a better understanding of the significance of genomic imprinting in the normal and pathological brain of mammals including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio D Perez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138;
| | - Nimrod D Rubinstein
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138;
| | - Catherine Dulac
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138;
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Salles J, Strelnikov K, Carine M, Denise T, Laurier V, Molinas C, Tauber M, Barone P. Deficits in voice and multisensory processing in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome. Neuropsychologia 2016; 85:137-47. [PMID: 26994593 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental and genetic disorder that is characterized by various expression of endocrine, cognitive and behavioral problems, among which a true obsession for food and a deficit of satiety that leads to hyperphagia and severe obesity. Neuropsychological studies have reported that PWS display altered social interactions with a specific weakness in interpreting social information and in responding to them, a symptom closed to that observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Based on the hypothesis that atypical multisensory integration such as face and voice interactions would contribute in PWS to social impairment we investigate the abilities of PWS to process communication signals including the human voice. Patients with PWS recruited from the national reference center for PWS performed a simple detection task of stimuli presented in an uni-o or bimodal condition, as well as a voice discrimination task. Compared to control typically developing (TD) individuals, PWS present a specific deficit in discriminating human voices from environmental sounds. Further, PWS present a much lower multisensory benefits with an absence of violation of the race model indicating that multisensory information do not converge and interact prior to the initiation of the behavioral response. All the deficits observed in PWS were stronger for the subgroup of patients suffering from Uniparental Disomy, a population known to be more sensitive to ASD. Altogether, our study suggests that the deficits in social behavior observed in PWS derive at least partly from an impairment in deciphering the social information carried by voice signals, face signals, and the combination of both. In addition, our work is in agreement with the brain imaging studies revealing an alteration in PWS of the "social brain network" including the STS region involved in processing human voices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Salles
- Université Toulouse, CerCo, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France; CNRS, UMR 5549, Faculté de Médecine de Purpan, Toulouse, France; Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, Hôpital des Enfants, Toulouse, France; Service de psychiatrie et psychologie médicale, Hôpital de psychiatrie, Toulouse, France
| | - Kuzma Strelnikov
- Université Toulouse, CerCo, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France; CNRS, UMR 5549, Faculté de Médecine de Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Mantoulan Carine
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, Hôpital des Enfants, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Catherine Molinas
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, Hôpital des Enfants, Toulouse, France
| | - Maïthé Tauber
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, Hôpital des Enfants, Toulouse, France; INSERM, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse-Purpan UMR 1043 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Pascal Barone
- Université Toulouse, CerCo, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France; CNRS, UMR 5549, Faculté de Médecine de Purpan, Toulouse, France.
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Bonnot O, Cohen D, Thuilleaux D, Consoli A, Cabal S, Tauber M. Psychotropic treatments in Prader-Willi syndrome: a critical review of published literature. Eur J Pediatr 2016; 175:9-18. [PMID: 26584571 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-015-2670-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic syndrome. The phenotype includes moderate to intellectual disability, dysmorphia, obesity, and behavioral disturbances (e.g., hetero and self-injurious behaviors, hyperphagia, psychosis). Psychotropic medications are widely prescribed in PWS for symptomatic control. We conducted a systematic review of published literature to examine psychotropic medications used in PWS. MEDLINE was searched to identify articles published between January 1967 and December 2014 using key words related to pharmacological treatments and PWS. Articles with original data were included based on a standardized four-step selection process. The identification of studies led to 241 records. All selected articles were evaluated for case descriptions (PWS and behavioral signs) and treatment (type, titration, efficiency, and side effects). Overall, 102 patients were included in these studies. Treatment involved risperidone (three reports, n = 11 patients), fluoxetine (five/n = 6), naltrexone (two/n = 2), topiramate (two/n = 16), fluvoxamine (one/n = 1), mazindol (one/n = 2), N-acetyl cysteine (one/n = 35), rimonabant (one/n = 15), and fenfluramine (one/n = 15). CONCLUSION We identified promising treatment effects with topiramate for self-injury and impulsive/aggressive behaviors, risperidone for psychotic symptoms associated with uniparental disomy (UPD), and N-acetyl cysteine for skin picking. The pharmacological approach of behavioral impairment in PWS has been poorly investigated to date. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted. WHAT IS KNOWN Behavioral disturbances in Prader-Willi syndrome including aggressive reactions, skin picking, and hyperphagia might be very difficult to manage. Antipsychotic drugs are widely prescribed, but weight gain and increased appetite are their major side effects. WHAT IS NEW Topiramate might be efficient for self-injury and impulsive/aggressive behaviors, N-acetyl cysteine is apromising treatment for skin picking and Antidepressants are indicated for OCD symptoms. Risperidone is indicated in case of psychotic symptoms mainly associated with uniparental disomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Bonnot
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, LPL-University Hospital Nantes and GDR 3557, Psychiatric Institute, 7 quai Moncousu, Nantes, F-44 000, France.
| | - D Cohen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie Salpetriere, APHP, Paris & Centre for Rare Diseases with Psychiatric Symptoms, APHP, 47 boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, 75013, France.
| | - D Thuilleaux
- Rare Disease with Psychiatric Symptoms Department, Hôpital Mari, APHP, Route de la Corniche, Hendaye, 64700, France.
| | - A Consoli
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie Salpetriere, APHP, Paris & Centre for Rare Diseases with Psychiatric Symptoms, APHP, 47 boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, 75013, France.
| | - S Cabal
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
| | - M Tauber
- Pediatric Department, University Hospital Toulouse & Rare Disease Center for Prader Willi Syndrome, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
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Chevalère J, Postal V, Jauregui J, Copet P, Laurier V, Thuilleaux D. Executive functions and Prader-Willi syndrome: global deficit linked with intellectual level and syndrome-specific associations. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 120:215-229. [PMID: 25928434 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-120.3.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to support the growing evidence suggesting that Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) might present with an impairment of executive functions (EFs) and to investigate whether this impairment is specific to patients with PWS or due to their intellectual disability (ID). Six tasks were administered to assess EFs (inhibition, switching, updating, cognitive estimation, and planning) to 17 patients with PWS and 17 age-matched healthy individuals. Performance was significantly impaired in the PWS group on all EFs and after controlling for IQ level, intergroup differences remained only for switching and cognitive estimation. In conclusion, PWS seems to be associated with a global impairment of EFs that appears to be closely linked with intellectual impairment but also with the PWS itself.
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Foti F, Menghini D, Orlandi E, Rufini C, Crinò A, Spera S, Vicari S, Petrosini L, Mandolesi L. Learning by observation and learning by doing in Prader-Willi syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2015; 7:6. [PMID: 25914757 PMCID: PMC4409733 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-015-9102-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New competencies may be learned through active experience (learning by doing) or observation of others' experience (learning by observation). Observing another person performing a complex action accelerates the observer's acquisition of the same action, limiting the time-consuming process of learning by doing. Here, we compared learning by observation and learning by doing in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). It is hypothesized that PWS individuals could show more difficulties with learning by observation than learning by doing because of their specific difficulty in interpreting and using social information. METHODS The performance of 24 PWS individuals was compared with that of 28 mental age (MA)- and gender-matched typically developing (TD) children in tasks of learning a visuo-motor sequence by observation or by doing. To determine whether the performance pattern exhibited by PWS participants was specific to this population or whether it was a nonspecific intellectual disability effect, we compared the PWS performances with those of a third MA- and gender-matched group of individuals with Williams syndrome (WS). RESULTS PWS individuals were severely impaired in detecting a sequence by observation, were able to detect a sequence by doing, and became as efficient as TD children in reproducing an observed sequence after a task of learning by doing. The learning pattern of PWS children was reversed compared with that of WS individuals. CONCLUSIONS The observational learning deficit in PWS individuals may be rooted, at least partially, in their incapacity to understand and/or use social information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Foti
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy ; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, "Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù", Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Orlandi
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Rufini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, "Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù", Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Crinò
- Pediatric and Autoimmune Endocrine Disease Unit, "Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù", Palidoro, Via Torre di Palidoro, 00050 Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Spera
- Pediatric and Autoimmune Endocrine Disease Unit, "Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù", Palidoro, Via Torre di Palidoro, 00050 Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, "Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù", Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy ; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mandolesi
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy ; Department of Motor Science and Wellness, University of Naples "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
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Roelofs RL, Visser EM, Berger HJC, Prins JB, Van Schrojenstein Lantman-De Valk HMJ, Teunisse JP. Executive functioning in individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2015; 59:125-137. [PMID: 23931579 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive functioning (EF) is important for adequate behavioural functioning and crucial for explaining symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in individuals with normal intelligence, but is scarcely studied in individuals with ASD and intellectual disabilities (ID). We therefore study EF in an ID population by comparing performances on three frequently studied executive functions (shifting, inhibition and updating) between individuals with ASD and individuals without ASD. When studying ID populations, one should be aware of Spearman's Law of Diminishing Returns (SLODR), as it questions the possibility of measuring separate cognitive functions in ID populations. METHODS Six EF tasks were administered to 50 individuals with mild to borderline ID, of which half was diagnosed with ASD. In order to investigate the distinctness of the three executive functions in this ID sample, the results on the six EF tasks were subjected to principal components analysis (PCA). Subsequently, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to assess differences between the ASD and non-ASD group on shifting, inhibition and updating. RESULTS The PCA revealed the hypothesised EF trichotomy. MANOVA analysis showed no significant group differences on EF-performance. CONCLUSIONS Three separate executive functions were measured in this ID population, but despite much evidence that individuals with ASD display more behavioural problems and the proven relevance of EF in behavioural functioning, no significant group difference was found on shifting, inhibition or updating. After this first effort to achieve more insight into EF of individuals with ASD and ID the relation between behavioural problems and EF will require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Roelofs
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands
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Reus L, Pelzer BJ, Otten BJ, Siemensma EPC, van Alfen-van der Velden JAAEM, Festen DAM, Hokken-Koelega ACS, Nijhuis-van der Sanden MWG. Growth hormone combined with child-specific motor training improves motor development in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2013; 34:3092-3103. [PMID: 23886754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Although severe motor problems in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are striking, motor development has never been studied longitudinally and the results of growth hormone (GH) treatment on motor development are contradictory. The authors studied whether GH treatment can enhance the effect of physical training on motor development in infants with PWS. Twenty-two infants were followed for two years during a randomized controlled trial. The treatment and control groups began GH after baseline or following a control period, respectively. Both groups followed a child-specific physical training program. Motor performance was measured every three months. Multi-level regression analysis revealed that motor development differed significantly between infants (p<.001), and this could be partially explained by baseline motor developmental level (p<.01). GH treatment enhanced the effects of child-specific physical training on both motor developmental rate and motor developmental potential. Moreover, this effect was more pronounced when GH treatment was initiated at a younger age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Reus
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Rehabilitation, Pediatric Physical Therapy, 818, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Centre, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, 114, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Jauregi J, Laurier V, Copet P, Tauber M, Thuilleaux D. Behavioral profile of adults with Prader-Willi syndrome: correlations with individual and environmental variables. J Neurodev Disord 2013; 5:18. [PMID: 23919902 PMCID: PMC3751283 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-5-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maladaptive behavior has been reported as a phenotypical feature in Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). It severely limits social adaptation and the quality of life of children and adults with the syndrome. Different factors have been linked with the intensity and form of these behavioral disturbances but there is no consensus about the cause. Consequently, there is still controversy regarding management strategies and there is a need for new data. Methods The behavior of 100 adults with PWS attending a dedicated center was assessed using the Developmental Behavior Checklist for Adults (DBC-A) and the PWS-specific Hyperphagia Questionnaire. The DBC-A was completed separately by trained caregivers at the center and relatives or caregivers in a natural setting. Genotype, gender, age, degree of obesity and cognitive impairment were analyzed as variables with a hypothetical influence on behavioral features. Results Patients showed a relatively high rate of behavioral disturbances other than hyperphagia. Disruptive and social relating were the highest scoring DBC-A subscales whereas anxiety/antisocial and self-absorbed were the lowest. When hospital caregiver and natural caregiver scores were compared, scores for the latter were higher for all subscales except for disruptive and anxiety/antisocial. These effects of institutional management were underlined. In the DBC-A, 22 items have descriptive indications of PWS behavior and were used for further comparisons and correlation analysis. In contrast to previous reports, rates of disturbed behavior were lower in patients with a deletion genotype. However, the behavioral profile was similar for both genotypes. No differences were found in any measurement when comparing type I and type II deletions. The other analyzed variables showed little relevance. Conclusions Significant rates of behavioral disorders were highlighted and their typology described in a large cohort of adults with PWS. The deletion genotype was related to a lower severity of symptoms. Some major behavioral problems, such as hyperphagia, may be well controlled if living circumstances are adapted to the specific requirements of individuals with PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseba Jauregi
- Centre de Référence Prader-Willi, Hôpital Marin AP-HP, Hendaye, France.
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Chevalère J, Postal V, Jauregui J, Copet P, Laurier V, Thuilleaux D. Assessment of Executive Functions in Prader-Willi Syndrome and Relationship with Intellectual Level. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2013; 26:309-18. [DOI: 10.1111/jar.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Chevalère
- Laboratoire de Psychologie; University of Bordeaux; Bordeaux France
| | - V. Postal
- Laboratoire de Psychologie; University of Bordeaux; Bordeaux France
| | - J. Jauregui
- Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea; San Sebastián Spain
- AP-HP Hôpital Marin; Hendaye France
| | - P. Copet
- AP-HP Hôpital Marin; Hendaye France
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Dimitropoulos A, Ferranti A, Lemler M. Expressive and receptive language in Prader-Willi syndrome: report on genetic subtype differences. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2013; 46:193-201. [PMID: 23295077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2012.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), most recognized for the hallmark hyperphagia and food preoccupations, is caused by the absence of expression of the paternally active genes in the q11-13 region of chromosome 15. Since the recognition of PWS as a genetic disorder, most research has focused primarily on the medical, genetic, and behavioral aspects of the syndrome. Extensive research has not been conducted on the cognitive, speech, and language abilities in PWS. In addition, language differences with regard to genetic mechanism of PWS have not been well investigated. To date, research indicates overall language ability is markedly below chronological age with expressive language more impaired than receptive language in people with PWS. Thus, the aim of the present study was to further characterize expressive and receptive language ability in 35 participants with PWS and compare functioning by genetic subtype using the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-4 (CELF-IV). Results indicate that core language ability is significantly impaired in PWS and both expressive and receptive abilities are significantly lower than verbal intelligence. In addition, participants with the maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD) genetic subtype exhibit discrepant language functioning with higher expressive vs. receptive language abilities. Future research is needed to further examine language functioning in larger genetic subtype participant samples using additional descriptive measures. Further work should also delineate findings with respect to size of the paternal deletion (Type 1 and Type 2 deletions) and explore how overexpression of maternally expressed genes in the 15q11-13 region may relate to verbal ability. LEARNING OUTCOMES After reading this article, the reader will be able to: (1) summarize primary characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), (2) describe differentiating characteristics for the PWS genetic subtypes, (3) recall limited research regarding language functioning in PWS to date, (4) summarize potential genetic variations of language ability in Prader-Willi syndrome, and (5) summarize language ability in PWS with respect to adaptive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Dimitropoulos
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7123, USA.
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Imprinted DLK1-DIO3 region of 14q32 defines a schizophrenia-associated miRNA signature in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mol Psychiatry 2012; 17:827-40. [PMID: 21727898 PMCID: PMC3404364 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2011.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are important for coordinating nervous system development and neuronal function in the mature brain. We have recently identified schizophrenia-associated alteration of cortical miRNA biogenesis and expression in post-mortem brain tissue with implications for the dysregulation of schizophrenia candidate genes. Although these changes were observed in the central nervous system, it is plausible that schizophrenia-associated miRNA expression signatures may also be detected in non-neural tissue. To explore this possibility, we investigated the miRNA expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 112 patients with schizophrenia and 76 non-psychiatric controls. miRNA expression analysis of total RNA conducted using commercial miRNA arrays revealed that 33 miRNAs were significantly downregulated after correction for multiple testing with a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0%, which increased to 83 when we considered miRNA with an FDR<5%. Seven miRNAs altered in microarray analysis of schizophrenia were also confirmed to be downregulated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A large subgroup consisting of 17 downregulated miRNAs is transcribed from a single imprinted locus at the maternally expressed DLK1-DIO3 region on chromosome 14q32. This pattern of differentially expressed miRNA in PBMCs may be indicative of significant underlying genetic or epigenetic alteration associated with schizophrenia.
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The effect of growth hormone treatment or physical training on motor performance in Prader-Willi syndrome: a systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012; 36:1817-38. [PMID: 22652271 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Revised: 04/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although motor problems in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are prominent in infants, and continue into childhood and adulthood, there is little insight into the factors important for clinical management. The literature was reviewed to: (1) provide an overview of the characteristics and prevalence of motor problems and (2) evaluate the effects of growth hormone (GH) treatment and physical training on motor performance. A systematic search revealed 34 papers: 13 on motor performance; 12 on GH treatment; and nine on physical training. In infants, motor development is 30-57% of the normal reference values, and children and adults also have significant problems in skill acquisition, muscle force, cardiovascular fitness, and activity level. GH treatment positively influenced motor performance in infants, children, and adults, although not all studies demonstrated an effect. All studies on physical training demonstrated beneficial effects in PWS patients. We suggest a combination of GH treatment and physical training to be started as soon as possible, especially in infants, to improve motor development as this will positively influence general development.
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Lanfranchi S, Baddeley A, Gathercole S, Vianello R. Working memory in Down syndrome: is there a dual task deficit? JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2012; 56:157-166. [PMID: 21726323 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2011.01444.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are poorer than controls in performing verbal and visuospatial dual tasks. The present study aims at better investigating the dual task deficit in working memory in individuals with DS. METHOD Forty-five individuals with DS and 45 typically developing children matched for verbal mental age completed a series of verbal and visuospatial working memory tasks, involving conditions that either required the combination of two tasks in the same modality (verbal or visual) or of cross-modality pairs of tasks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Two distinct deficits were found in individuals with DS: impairment in verbal tasks and further impairment in all dual task conditions. The results confirm the hypothesis of a central executive impairment in individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lanfranchi
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Relkovic D, Isles AR. Behavioural and cognitive profiles of mouse models for Prader-Willi syndrome. Brain Res Bull 2011; 92:41-8. [PMID: 21971015 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with aspects of psychiatric illness caused by genetic mutations at chromosome 15q11-q13. In addition to causing PWS, this interval is also thought to be of importance more generally in the development of autism and psychotic illness. The PWS genetic interval is conserved in mammals, and consequently mice carrying genetic manipulations affecting one or all of the genes in the region of conserved synteny have been generated and used in neurobehavioural studies. Here we give an overview of these models and describe the behavioural and neurobiological analyses that have been performed, many of which have provide new insights into the molecular and neural processes influenced by genes within the PWS interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinko Relkovic
- Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Mestrovicevo setaliste bb, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Teixeira MCTV, Monteiro CRC, Velloso RDL, Kim CA, Carreiro LRR. Behavioral and cognitive phenotype of children and adolescents with Williams-Beuren Syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 22:215-20. [PMID: 21103708 DOI: 10.1590/s0104-56872010000300010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) is a genetic disorder caused by the deletion of multiples genes of long arm of chromosome 7 (region 7q11-23), which causes behavioral and intellectual disability. For the effectiveness of educational inclusion of these children, multidisciplinary approaches are needed to guide teachers and parents. AIM to describe the behavioral, cognitive and language profiles and to identify autistic behavior in a group of children and adolescents with WBS. METHOD 10 children and adolescents with WBS, aged 5 to 16 years, and 10 children and adolescents with typical development, matched by gender and age. Instruments used for assessment were: Nonverbal Intelligence Test (Leiter-R); Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/1½-5; CBCL/6-18); Language Exam (TIPITI) and the Autism Screening Questionnaire (ASQ). RESULTS the group with WBS presented a greater number of behavioral changes with more inattention and social problems. Regarding the Leiter-R scale the intelligence scores were below the average for age (67.8 points) in WBS. The control group (CG) scored into the average (101.2). The group with WBS presented discrepancy in the morphosyntactic structure as well as an increased number of echolalia in the subtests of TIPITI, when compared to the CG. CONCLUSION based on the behavioral and cognitive problems found in individuals with WBS, the need for a multidisciplinary follow-up focused on cognitive stimulation and behavior control is confirmed, due to the interference of these characteristics in learning abilities.
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Tauber M, Mantoulan C, Copet P, Jauregui J, Demeer G, Diene G, Rogé B, Laurier V, Ehlinger V, Arnaud C, Molinas C, Thuilleaux D. Oxytocin may be useful to increase trust in others and decrease disruptive behaviours in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: a randomised placebo-controlled trial in 24 patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2011; 6:47. [PMID: 21702900 PMCID: PMC3141367 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-6-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurodevelopmental genetic disorder with hypothalamic dysfunction, early morbid obesity with hyperphagia, and specific psychiatric phenotypes including cognitive and behavioural problems, particularly disruptive behaviours and frequent temper outbursts that preclude socialization. A deficit in oxytocin (OT)-producing neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus has been reported in these patients. Methods In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study, 24 adult patients with PWS received a single intranasal administration of 24 IU of OT or placebo and were tested 45 min later on social skills. Behaviours were carefully monitored and scored using an in-house grid as follows: over the two days before drug administration, on the half-day following administration, and over the subsequent two days. All patients were in a dedicated PWS centre with more than ten years of experience. Patients are regularly admitted to this controlled environment. Results Patients with PWS who received a single intranasal administration of OT displayed significantly increased trust in others (P = 0.02) and decreased sadness tendencies (P = 0.02) with less disruptive behaviour (P = 0.03) in the two days following administration than did patients who received placebo. In the half-day following administration, we observed a trend towards less conflict with others (p = 0.07) in the OT group compared with the placebo group. Scores in tests assessing social skills were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions This study needs to be reproduced and adapted. It nevertheless opens new perspectives for patients with PWS and perhaps other syndromes with behavioural disturbances and obesity. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01038570
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Affiliation(s)
- Maïthe Tauber
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi, Division of Endocrinology, Genetics, Gynaecology and Bone Diseases, Hôpital des Enfants, Toulouse, France.
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Spendelow JS. Assessment of Behavioral and Psychiatric Problems in People With Prader–Willi Syndrome: A Review of the Literature. JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-1130.2011.00296.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Foti F, Menghini D, Petrosini L, Valerio G, Crinò A, Vicari S, Grimaldi T, Mandolesi L. Spatial Competences in Prader–Willi Syndrome: A Radial Arm Maze Study. Behav Genet 2011; 41:445-56. [DOI: 10.1007/s10519-011-9471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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van Nieuwpoort IC, Deijen JB, Curfs LMG, Drent ML. The relationship between IGF-I concentration, cognitive function and quality of life in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. Horm Behav 2011; 59:444-50. [PMID: 21223969 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Revised: 12/30/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mental retardation is one of the clinical characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and in part of the patients growth hormone deficiency is demonstrable. Cognitive function seems to be influenced by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I); however, little is known about cognitive function in relation to IGF-I levels in PWS adults. The aim of the present study was to evaluate cognitive function in adult PWS patients in comparison to healthy siblings and to investigate whether there is a correlation between cognitive function and IGF-I levels. Anthropometric measurements, IGF-I levels, quality of life (QoL), Appetite Assessment Score, IQ (GIT and Raven) and cognitive function (by four subtests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Testing Battery, CANTAB) were evaluated in PWS patients and their healthy siblings served as control group. PWS patients had significantly lower IGF-I levels, IQ and QoL when compared to controls. Reaction times were longer and performance was worse on CANTAB subtests in PWS adults. IGF-I on one hand and IQ, Appetite Assessment Score and cognitive performance on the other hand seem to be correlated in PWS patients. In conclusion, IGF-I levels, IQ and QoL are significantly lower in PWS subjects when compared to healthy siblings. In PWS adults, temporal as well as prefrontal cognitive functions are impaired. Higher IGF-I levels appear to be related to better intellectual skills and faster temporal memory processing in PWS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- I C van Nieuwpoort
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Endocrinology, VU University Medical Center and Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Woodcock KA, Oliver C, Humphreys GW. The relationship between specific cognitive impairment and behaviour in Prader-Willi syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2011; 55:152-171. [PMID: 21199046 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01368.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have been shown to demonstrate a particular cognitive deficit in attention switching and high levels of preference for routine and temper outbursts. This study assesses whether a specific pathway between a cognitive deficit and behaviour via environmental interaction can exist in individuals with PWS. METHODS Four individuals with PWS participated in a series of three single-case experiments including laboratory-based and natural environment designs. Cognitive (computer-based) challenges placed varying demands on attention switching or controlled for the cognitive demands of the tasks while placing no demands on switching. Unexpected changes to routines or expectations were presented in controlled games, or imposed on participants' natural environments and compared with control conditions during which no unexpected changes occurred. Behaviour was observed and heart rate was measured. RESULTS Participants showed significantly increased temper outburst related behaviours during cognitive challenges that placed demands on attention switching, relative to the control cognitive challenges. Participants showed significantly increased temper outburst related behaviours when unexpected changes occurred in an experimental or the natural environment compared with when no changes occurred. CONCLUSIONS Difficult behaviours that could be triggered reliably in an individual by a specific cognitive demand could also be triggered via manipulation of the environment. Results suggest that a directional relationship between a specific cognitive deficit and behaviour, via environmental interaction, can exist in individuals with PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Woodcock
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK.
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PET scan perfusion imaging in the Prader-Willi syndrome: new insights into the psychiatric and social disturbances. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2011; 31:275-82. [PMID: 20588317 PMCID: PMC3049491 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2010.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare multisystem genetic disease, leads to severe disabilities, such as morbid obesity, endocrine dysfunctions, psychiatric disorders, and social disturbances. We explored the whole brain of patients with PWS to detect abnormalities that might explain the behavioral and social disturbances, as well as the psychiatric disorders of these patients. Nine patients with PWS (six males, three females; mean age 16.4 years) underwent a positron emission tomography (PET) scan with H(2)(15)O as a tracer to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). The images were compared with those acquired from nine controls (six males, three females; mean age 21.2 years). A morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also performed in PWS patients, and their cognitive and behavioral skills were assessed with Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III and the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). The MRI images showed no evident anatomic abnormalities, whereas PET scans revealed hypoperfused brain regions in PWS patients compared with controls, particularly in the anterior cingulum and superior temporal regions. We observed a significant relationship (P<0.05) between rCBF in the hypoperfused regions and CBCL scores. The functional consequences of these perfusion abnormalities in specific brain regions might explain the behavioral and social problems observed in these individuals.
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Jackowski AP, Laureano MR, Del’Aquilla MA, de Moura LM, Assunção I, Silva I, Schwartzman JS. Update on Clinical Features and Brain Abnormalities in Neurogenetics Syndromes. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2010.00603.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Woodcock KA, Humphreys GW, Oliver C, Hansen PC. Neural correlates of task switching in paternal 15q11-q13 deletion Prader-Willi syndrome. Brain Res 2010; 1363:128-42. [PMID: 20920489 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Revised: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 09/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report a first study of brain activity linked to task switching in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). PWS individuals show a specific cognitive deficit in task switching which may be associated with the display of temper outbursts and repetitive questioning. The performance of participants with PWS and typically developing controls was matched in a cued task switching procedure, and brain activity was contrasted on switching and non-switching blocks using fMRI. Individuals with PWS did not show the typical frontal-parietal pattern of neural activity associated with switching blocks, with significantly reduced activation in regions of the posterior parietal and ventromedial prefrontal cortices. We suggest that this is linked to a difficulty in PWS in setting appropriate attentional weights to enable task-set reconfiguration. In addition to this, PWS individuals did not show the typical pattern of deactivation, with significantly less deactivation in an anterior region of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. One plausible explanation for this is that individuals with PWS show dysfunction within the default mode network, which has been linked to attentional control. The data point to functional changes in the neural circuitry supporting task switching in PWS even when behavioural performance is matched to controls and thus highlight neural mechanisms that may be involved in a specific pathway between genes, cognition and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Woodcock
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT UK.
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Willner P, Bailey R, Parry R, Dymond S. Evaluation of executive functioning in people with intellectual disabilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2010; 54:366-379. [PMID: 20433573 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01249.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive functioning (EF) is an important concept in cognitive psychology that has rarely been studied in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The aim of this study was to examine the validity of two test batteries and the structure of EF in this client group. METHODS We administered the children's version of the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS-C) and the Cambridge Executive Functioning Assessment (CEFA) for people with ID, to 40 participants who attended day centres for people with mild to moderate learning disabilities [mean full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) = 59]. The BADS-C consists of six EF subtests while the CEFA contains eight EF (including two executive memory) subtests and four memory subtests. IQ and receptive language ability were also assessed. The results were subjected to principal components analysis, and regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of the ensuing factors to other cognitive variables. RESULTS Scores on both sets of EF tests were only weakly related to receptive language ability, and even more weakly related to IQ. Scores on the BADS-C were substantially lower than predicted from the published norms for people in higher IQ ranges, and many participants scored zero on three of the six subtests. This potential floor effect was less evident with scores on the CEFA. Principal components analyses produced one usable factor for the BADS-C, and two factors for the CEFA that differed in both the extent of involvement of working memory and the predominant sensory modality. A combined analysis of the subtests retained from both analyses produced three factors that related uniquely to aspects of IQ and memory. CONCLUSIONS The CEFA is suitable for use with people with mild to moderate learning disabilities, whereas the BADS-C is at the lower limit of usability with this client group. The lower-than-expected scores observed on the BADS-C may indicate that people known to learning disability services may be more impaired than people of comparable IQ not known to services. The structure of EF seen in people with IDs closely resembles a model of EF in the general population that has received a broad level of support.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Willner
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Directorate of Learning Disability Services, Bridgend, UK.
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Copet P, Jauregi J, Laurier V, Ehlinger V, Arnaud C, Cobo AM, Molinas C, Tauber M, Thuilleaux D. Cognitive profile in a large French cohort of adults with Prader-Willi syndrome: differences between genotypes. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2010; 54:204-215. [PMID: 20136683 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01251.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by developmental abnormalities leading to somatic and psychological symptoms. These include dysmorphic features, impaired growth and sexual maturation, hyperphagia, intellectual delay, learning disabilities and maladaptive behaviours. PWS is caused by a lack of expression of maternally imprinted genes situated in the 15q11-13 chromosome region. The origin is a 'de novo' deletion in the paternal chromosome in 70% of the cases and a maternal uniparental disomy in 25%. The two main genotypes show differences, notably regarding cognitive and behavioural features, but the mechanisms are not clear. This study assessed cognitive impairment in a cohort of adults with genetically confirmed PWS, analysed their profiles of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and compared the profiles in terms of genotype. METHODS Ninety-nine male and female adults participated, all inpatients on a specialised unit for the multidisciplinary care of PWS. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III) was administered to all patients in identical conditions by the same psychologist. Eighty-five patients were able to cope with the test situation. Their scores were analysed with non-parametric statistical tools. The correlations with sex, age and body mass index were explored. Two genotype groups were compared: deletion (n = 57) and non-deletion (n = 27). RESULTS The distribution of intelligence quotients in the total cohort was non-normal, with the following values (medians): Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ): 52.0 (Q1:46.0; Q3:60.0), Verbal Intellectual Quotient (VIQ): 53.0 (Q1:48; Q3:62) and Performance Intellectual Quotient (PIQ): 52.5 (Q1:48; Q3:61). No correlation was found with sex, age or body mass index. Comparison between groups showed no significant difference in FSIQ or VIQ. PIQ scores were significantly better in the deletion group. The total cohort and the deletion group showed the VIQ = PIQ profile, whereas VIQ > PIQ was observed in the non-deletion group. The subtest scores in the two groups showed significant differences, with the deletion group scoring better in three subtests: object assembly, picture arrangement and digit symbol coding. Some relative strengths and weaknesses concerned the total cohort, but others concerned only one genotype. DISCUSSION We documented a global impairment in the intellectual abilities of a large sample of French PWS patients. The scores were slightly lower than those reported in most other studies. Our data confirmed the previously published differences in the cognitive profiles of the two main PWS genotypes and offer new evidence to support this hypothesis. These results could guide future neuropsychological studies to determine the cognitive processing in PWS. This knowledge is essential to improve our understanding of gene-brain-behaviour relationships and to open new perspectives on therapeutic and educational programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Copet
- Hôpital Marin AP-HP, Unité Prader-Willi, Hendaye, France
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Mesquita MLGD, Brunoni D, Pina Neto JMD, Kim CA, Melo MHS, Teixeira MCTV. Fenótipo comportamental de crianças e adolescentes com síndrome de Prader-Willi. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s0103-05822010000100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Identificar, em um grupo de crianças e adolescentes com síndrome de Prader-Willi, as principais características do fenótipo comportamental. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 11 crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico clínico e citogenético-molecular da síndrome de Prader-Willi. A técnica de coleta de dados foi o Inventário dos Comportamentos de Crianças e Adolescentes entre 6 e 18 anos (CBCL/6-18). A análise de correlação bivariada, com nível de significância p<0,05, foi usada para testar a associação entre as variáveis analisadas. RESULTADOS: Os principais resultados mostraram um perfil comportamental considerado como clínico em várias das escalas do CBCL/6-18. Observou-se um padrão comportamental com alta frequência de respostas de agressão, quebra de regras e oposição. Identificaram-se correlações estatisticamente significativas entre problemas de atenção e sociais e problemas de pensamento e comportamento de quebrar as regras. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes investigados representam um grupo com risco psiquiátrico e alterações de comportamento que, em longo prazo, poderão evoluir para transtornos de 2009humor, do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade e transtorno desafiador e de oposição, dentre outros
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Relkovic D, Doe CM, Humby T, Johnstone KA, Resnick JL, Holland AJ, Hagan JJ, Wilkinson LS, Isles AR. Behavioural and cognitive abnormalities in an imprinting centre deletion mouse model for PraderâWilli syndrome. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 31:156-64. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.07048.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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