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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Sharma AR, Batra G, Saini L, Sharma S, Mishra A, Singla R, Singh A, Singh RS, Jain A, Bansal S, Modi M, Medhi B. Valproic acid and Propionic acid modulated mechanical pathways associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder at prenatal and neonatal exposure. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 21:399-408. [PMID: 34365961 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210806165430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a composite disorder of brain development with uncertain etiology and pathophysiology. Genetic factors are important in ASD causation, although environmental factors are also involved in ASD pathophysiology. Environmental factors might affect the genetic processes of brain development through the modulation of molecular pathways that might be involved with ASD. Valproic acid and Propionic acid are the major environmental factors that serve as medicine and food preservative. VPA is used as an anti-epileptic medicine, but it has adverse effects on pregnant women and alters the developmental patterns of the embryo. It is a multi-targeting agent and affects through the 5-HT, GABA, etc. PPA is a secondary metabolite of gut microbiota that is commonly used as a food preservative. PPA plays a significant role in ASD causation by altering the several developmental molecular pathways like PTEN/Akt, mTOR/Gskβ, Cytokines activated pathways, etc., at the prenatal and neonatal stage. Moreover, ASD complexity might be increased by some other important factors like vitamin A deficiency and Vitamin A is important for cortical brain development and neuronal cell differentiation. Additionally, several important genes such as RELN, Lhx2, CREB, IL-6, NMDA, BDNF, etc. also altered in ASD that involved in brain development, Central Nervous System, Enteric Nervous System. These genes affect the neuronal differentiation, hyperactivity, oxidative stress, oxytocin, and GABA imbalance that lead the improper behavior in autistic individuals. These genes are also studied in VPA and PPA ASD-like animal models. In this review, we explored the mechanical pathways that might be altered with VPA and PPA exposures at the embryonic developmental stage or neonatal developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Raj Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Gitika Batra
- Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Lokesh Saini
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Saurabh Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Abhishek Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Rubal Singla
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Rahul Soloman Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Ashish Jain
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Seema Bansal
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Manish Modi
- Department of Neurology,Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. India
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Clayton-Smith J, Bromley R, Dean J, Journel H, Odent S, Wood A, Williams J, Cuthbert V, Hackett L, Aslam N, Malm H, James G, Westbom L, Day R, Ladusans E, Jackson A, Bruce I, Walker R, Sidhu S, Dyer C, Ashworth J, Hindley D, Diaz GA, Rawson M, Turnpenny P. Diagnosis and management of individuals with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder; a consensus statement from the European Reference Network for Congenital Malformations and Intellectual Disability. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:180. [PMID: 31324220 PMCID: PMC6642533 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A pattern of major and minor congenital anomalies, facial dysmorphic features, and neurodevelopmental difficulties, including cognitive and social impairments has been reported in some children exposed to sodium valproate (VPA) during pregnancy. Recognition of the increased risks of in utero exposure to VPA for congenital malformations, and for the neurodevelopmental effects in particular, has taken many years but these are now acknowledged following the publication of the outcomes of several prospective studies and registries. As with other teratogens, exposure to VPA can have variable effects, ranging from a characteristic pattern of major malformations and significant intellectual disability to the other end of the continuum, characterised by facial dysmorphism which is often difficult to discern and a more moderate effect on neurodevelopment and general health. It has become clear that some individuals with FVSD have complex needs requiring multidisciplinary care but information regarding management is currently lacking in the medical literature. METHODS An expert group was convened by ERN-ITHACA, the European Reference Network for Congenital Malformations and Intellectual Disability comprised of professionals involved in the care of individuals with FVSD and with patient representation. Review of published and unpublished literature concerning management of FVSD was undertaken and the level of evidence from these sources graded. Management recommendations were made based on strength of evidence and consensus expert opinion, in the setting of an expert consensus meeting. These were then refined using an iterative process and wider consultation. RESULTS Whilst there was strong evidence regarding the increase in risk for major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental difficulties there was a lack of high level evidence in other areas and in particular in terms of optimal clinical management.. The expert consensus approach facilitated the formulation of management recommendations, based on literature evidence and best practice. The outcome of the review and group discussions leads us to propose the term Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) as we feel this better encompasses the broad range of effects seen following VPA exposure in utero. CONCLUSION The expert consensus approach can be used to define the best available clinical guidance for the diagnosis and management of rare disorders such as FVSD. FVSD can have medical, developmental and neuropsychological impacts with life-long consequences and affected individuals benefit from the input of a number of different health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Clayton-Smith
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Rebecca Bromley
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Paediatric Psychosocial Department, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - John Dean
- Clinical Genetics, Clinical Genetics Service, Ashgrove House, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hubert Journel
- Génétique Médicale – Consultation, CHBA Centre Hospitalier Bretagne Atlantique - CH Chubert, 20 boulevard du Général Maurice Guillaudot, BP 70555, 56017 Vannes Cedex, France
| | - Sylvie Odent
- Service de Génétique Clinique, CNRS UMR 6290, Université de Rennes, CHU de Rennes - Hôpital Sud, 16 Boulevard de Bulgarie, 35203 Rennes Cedex 2, France
| | - Amanda Wood
- Aston Brain Centre, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, UK
- Brain and Mind, Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janet Williams
- INFACT/FACSA, Independent Fetal Anti-Convulsant Trust & FACS Syndrome Association, Preston, UK
| | - Verna Cuthbert
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Latha Hackett
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Neelo Aslam
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Heli Malm
- Teratology Information Service, University of Helsinki and Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital, Tukholmankatu 17, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gregory James
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, UK
- Craniofacial Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH UK
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
- Victor Horsley Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Lena Westbom
- Lund University, Barnmed klin, SUS, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ruth Day
- Guardian Medical Centre, Guardian Street, Warrington, UK
| | - Edmund Ladusans
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Jackson
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal Hospital NHS Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, UK
| | - Iain Bruce
- Paediatric ENT Department, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Robert Walker
- Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Sangeet Sidhu
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Catrina Dyer
- Cleft Lip and Palate Team, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Jane Ashworth
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Hindley
- Community Paediatrics, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Breightmet Health Centre, Bolton, UK
| | - Gemma Arca Diaz
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clinic (Maternitat), Sabino Arana 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Myfanwy Rawson
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Turnpenny
- Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Gladstone Rd, Exeter, UK
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