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Cirillo G, Negrete-Diaz F, Yucuma D, Virtuoso A, Korai SA, De Luca C, Kaniusas E, Papa M, Panetsos F. Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Personalized Therapeutic Approach for Crohn's and Other Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244103. [PMID: 36552867 PMCID: PMC9776705 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are incurable autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There is increasing evidence that inappropriate interaction between the enteric nervous system and central nervous system and/or low activity of the vagus nerve, which connects the enteric and central nervous systems, could play a crucial role in their pathogenesis. Therefore, it has been suggested that appropriate neuroprosthetic stimulation of the vagus nerve could lead to the modulation of the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and consequent long-term control of these autoimmune diseases. In the present paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of (1) the cellular and molecular bases of the immune system, (2) the way central and enteric nervous systems interact and contribute to the immune responses, (3) the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel disease, and (4) the therapeutic use of vagus nerve stimulation, and in particular, the transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Then, we expose the working hypotheses for the modulation of the molecular processes that are responsible for intestinal inflammation in autoimmune diseases and the way we could develop personalized neuroprosthetic therapeutic devices and procedures in favor of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cirillo
- Division of Human Anatomy, Neuronal Morphology Networks & Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Flor Negrete-Diaz
- Neurocomputing & Neurorobotics Research Group, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IdISSC), Hospital Clinico San Carlos de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Yucuma
- Neurocomputing & Neurorobotics Research Group, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Andalusian School of Public Health, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
| | - Assunta Virtuoso
- Division of Human Anatomy, Neuronal Morphology Networks & Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Sohaib Ali Korai
- Division of Human Anatomy, Neuronal Morphology Networks & Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro De Luca
- Division of Human Anatomy, Neuronal Morphology Networks & Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Michele Papa
- Division of Human Anatomy, Neuronal Morphology Networks & Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
- SYSBIO Centre of Systems Biology ISBE-IT, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Neurocomputing & Neurorobotics Research Group, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IdISSC), Hospital Clinico San Carlos de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, 28260 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (F.P.)
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Lambert JS. An Overview of Tickborne Infections in Pregnancy and Outcomes in the Newborn: The Need for Prospective Studies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:72. [PMID: 32211414 PMCID: PMC7069275 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne infections are an ever-increasing issue internationally, many factors contribute to this including a changing climate. Pregnant women represent the single largest vulnerable group in populations due to a relative immune deficiency status. Infections in pregnant women have the added gravity of potential infection in the developing fetus which may have catastrophic consequences including death in-utero or lifelong debilitation. Currently there is a paucity of data surrounding tick-borne infections in pregnancy and long-term outcomes for mother and infant for conditions like Lyme disease and co-infections. At present there are no established international surveillance systems to identify and gain understanding of these infections in pregnancy. Furthermore, the removal of Congenital Lyme Disease from ICD-11 codes hampers dialogue and characterization of borreliosis in pregnancy and stifles future developments of this understudied domain. This review makes the case for further study and re-opening a dialogue of tick-borne infections in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Lambert
- Infectious Diseases Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Infectious Diseases Department, Rotunda Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Lagoa R, Marques-da-Silva D, Diniz M, Daglia M, Bishayee A. Molecular mechanisms linking environmental toxicants to cancer development: Significance for protective interventions with polyphenols. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:118-144. [PMID: 32044471 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human exposure to environmental toxicants with diverse mechanisms of action is a growing concern. In addition to well-recognized carcinogens, various chemicals in environmental and occupational settings have been suggested to impact health, increasing susceptibility to cancer by inducing genetic and epigenetic changes. Accordingly, in this review, we have discussed recent insights into the pathological mechanisms of these chemicals, namely their effects on cell redox and calcium homeostasis, mitochondria and inflammatory signaling, with a focus on the possible implications for multi-stage carcinogenesis and its reversal by polyphenols. Plant-derived polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin-gallate, resveratrol, curcumin and anthocyanins reduce the incidence of cancer and can be useful nutraceuticals for alleviating the detrimental outcomes of harmful pollutants. However, development of therapies based on polyphenol administration requires further studies to validate the biological efficacy, identifying effective doses, mode of action and new delivery forms. Innovative microphysiological testing models are presented and specific proposals for future trials are given. Merging the current knowledge of multifactorial actions of specific polyphenols and chief environmental toxicants, this work aims to potentiate the delivery of phytochemical-based protective treatments to individuals at high-risk due to environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Lagoa
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Dorinda Marques-da-Silva
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Mário Diniz
- Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
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Aruoma OI, Hausman-Cohen S, Pizano J, Schmidt MA, Minich DM, Joffe Y, Brandhorst S, Evans SJ, Brady DM. Personalized Nutrition: Translating the Science of NutriGenomics Into Practice: Proceedings From the 2018 American College of Nutrition Meeting. J Am Coll Nutr 2019; 38:287-301. [DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2019.1582980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Okezie I Aruoma
- California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, California, USA
| | | | - Jessica Pizano
- Nutritional Genomics Institute, SNPed, and OmicsDX, Chasterfield, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael A. Schmidt
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Countermeasures Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Deanna M. Minich
- University of Western States, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Institute for Functional Medicine, Federal Way, Washington, USA
| | - Yael Joffe
- 3X4 Genetics and Manuka Science, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - David M. Brady
- University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA
- Whole Body Medicine, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
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Neuropsychiatric Lyme Borreliosis: An Overview with a Focus on a Specialty Psychiatrist's Clinical Practice. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:healthcare6030104. [PMID: 30149626 PMCID: PMC6165408 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6030104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence and recognition that Lyme borreliosis (LB) causes mental symptoms. This article draws from databases, search engines and clinical experience to review current information on LB. LB causes immune and metabolic effects that result in a gradually developing spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms, usually presenting with significant comorbidity which may include developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorders, schizoaffective disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, intrusive symptoms), eating disorders, decreased libido, sleep disorders, addiction, opioid addiction, cognitive impairments, dementia, seizure disorders, suicide, violence, anhedonia, depersonalization, dissociative episodes, derealization and other impairments. Screening assessment followed by a thorough history, comprehensive psychiatric clinical exam, review of systems, mental status exam, neurological exam and physical exam relevant to the patient's complaints and findings with clinical judgment, pattern recognition and knowledgeable interpretation of laboratory findings facilitates diagnosis. Psychotropics and antibiotics may help improve functioning and prevent further disease progression. Awareness of the association between LB and neuropsychiatric impairments and studies of their prevalence in neuropsychiatric conditions can improve understanding of the causes of mental illness and violence and result in more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
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Castellani M, Felaco P, Pandolfp F, Salini V, De Amicis D, Vecchiet J, Tetè S, Ciampoli C, Conti F, Cerulli G, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Cuccurullo C, Perrella A, Theoharides T, De Lutiis M, Kempuraj D, Shaik Y. Inflammatory Compounds: Neuropeptide Substance Pand Cytokines. EUR J INFLAMM 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x0900700202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory diseases represent one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and they affect the functions of several tissues. The pathophysiology of these diseases involves release of many pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines/chemokines, histamine, C3a, C5a (complement components), bradykinin, leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4), PAF, and substance P, in addition to anti-inflammatory molecules. Recently, it has been demonstrated that neuroimmune interactions are important in the initiation and progress of inflammatory processes. Substance P is an 11-amino acid neuropeptide that is released from nerve endings in many tissues. It acts via membrane-bound NK1 receptors (NK1R). Inflammatory and neuropeptides such as substance P stimulate the release of chemokines, in particular IL-8, a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. Expression of IL-8 is regulated mainly by the transcription factors NF-kappaB, activating protein-1. Substance P plays an important role in immunological and inflammatory states, and it is a mediator of tissue injury, asthma, arthritis, allergy and autoimmune diseases. In this article, our studies revisited the interrelationship between these two powerful inflammatory compounds: substance P and cytokines. These observations suggest that these inflammatory molecules may represent a potential therapeutic target to treat several inflammatory states.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.L. Castellani
- Immunology Division, Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - P. Felaco
- Division of Nephrology, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - F. Pandolfp
- Immunology Division, Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - V. Salini
- Department of Human Dynamic, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - D. De Amicis
- Department of Human Dynamic, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - J. Vecchiet
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - S. Tetè
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - C. Ciampoli
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - F. Conti
- Gynecology Division, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - G. Cerulli
- Orthopeadic Division, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - A. Caraffa
- Orthopeadic Division, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - P. Antinolfi
- Orthopeadic Division, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - C. Cuccurullo
- Division of Medical Pathology, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - A. Perrella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cotugno Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - T.C. Theoharides
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Biochemistry and Internal Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M.A. De Lutiis
- Department of Biology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - D. Kempuraj
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Biochemistry and Internal Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Y.B. Shaik
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Castellani M, Felaco M, Pandolfi F, Salini V, De Amicis D, Orso C, Vecchiet J, Tetè S, Ciampoli C, Conti F, Cerulli G, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Cuccurullo C, Felaco P, Kempuraj D, Boscolo P, Sabatino G, Shaik Y. Mast Cells and Arachidonic Acid Cascade in Inflammation. EUR J INFLAMM 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x0900700302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin D2 PGD2 is a major cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid produced by mast cells and it is released following allergen challenge in diseases, such as allergic diseases. PGD2 may act as a neuromodulator and as an allergic and inflammatory mediator. In allergic diseases, activated mast cell synthesizes prostaglandin D2 (first cyclo-oxygenate mediator) which has bronchoconstrictive and vasodilating effects and attracts several leukocytes. It has been found that activated mast cells, challenged with physiological and non- physiological secretagogues, release elevated histamine and tryptase and chymase, leukotrienes B4, C4 and D4, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, PGD2, Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), heparin, and high-molecular-weight neutrophil chemotactic factor and cytokines/chemokines. PGD2 exerts its biological activity through the DP and CRTH2 receptors and their cDNA cloning which were characterized 15 years ago. In this report, we revisited the biological effects of arachidonic acid compounds released by activated mast cells in allergic and inflammatory states.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.L. Castellani
- Immunology Division, Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - M. Felaco
- Division of Biology, University of Chieti, Italy
| | | | - V. Salini
- Department of Human Dynamics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - D. De Amicis
- Department of Human Dynamics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - C. Orso
- Department of Human Dynamics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - J. Vecchiet
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - S. Tetè
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - C. Ciampoli
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - F. Conti
- Gynecology Division, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - G. Cerulli
- Orthopeadics Division, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - A. Caraffa
- Orthopeadics Division, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - P. Antinolfi
- Orthopeadics Division, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | - P. Felaco
- Nephrology Division, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - D. Kempuraj
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Biochemistry and Internal Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P. Boscolo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - G. Sabatino
- Department of Paediatrics, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Y.B. Shaik
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
Autoimmune diseases have increased dramatically worldwide since World War II. This is coincidental with the increased production and use of chemicals both in industrial countries and agriculture, as well as the ease of travel from region to region and continent to continent, making the transfer of a pathogen or pathogens from one part of the world to another much easier than ever before. In this review, triggers of autoimmunity are examined, principally environmental. The number of possible environmental triggers is vast and includes chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and molds. Examples of these triggers are given and include the mechanism of action and method by which they bring about autoimmunity.
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Sato K. Placenta-derived hypo-serotonin situations in the developing forebrain cause autism. Med Hypotheses 2013; 80:368-72. [PMID: 23375670 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that is characterized by the behavioral traits of impaired social cognition and communication, and repetitive and/or obsessive behavior and interests. Although there are many theories and speculations about the pathogenetic causes of autism, the disruption of the serotonergic system is one of the most consistent and well-replicated findings. Recently, it has been reported that placenta-derived serotonin is the main source in embryonic day (E) 10-15 mouse forebrain, after that period, the serotonergic fibers start to supply serotonin into the forebrain. E 10-15 is the very important developing period, when cortical neurogenesis, migration and initial axon targeting are processed. Since all these events have been considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of autism and they are highly controlled by serotonin signals, the paucity of placenta-derived serotonin should have potential importance when the pathogenesis of autism is considered. I, thus, postulate a hypothesis that placenta-derived hypo-serotonin situations in the developing forebrain cause autism. The hypothesis is as follows. Various factors, such as inflammation, dysfunction of the placenta, together with genetic predispositions cause a decrease of placenta-derived serotonin levels. The decrease of placenta-derived serotonin levels leads to hypo-serotonergic situations in the forebrain of the fetus. The paucity of serotonin in the forebrain leads to mis-wiring in important regions which are responsible for the theory of mind. The paucity of serotonin in the forebrain also causes over-growth of serotonergic fibers. These disturbances result in network deficiency and aberration of the serotonergic system, leading to the autistic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohji Sato
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan.
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Brady DM. Molecular Mimicry, the Hygiene Hypothesis, Stealth Infections and Other Examples of Disconnect between Medical Research and the Practice of Clinical Medicine in Autoimmune Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/ojra.2013.31007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Angelidou A, Asadi S, Alysandratos KD, Karagkouni A, Kourembanas S, Theoharides TC. Perinatal stress, brain inflammation and risk of autism-review and proposal. BMC Pediatr 2012; 12:89. [PMID: 22747567 PMCID: PMC3496584 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-12-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by varying deficits in social interactions, communication, and learning, as well as stereotypic behaviors. Despite the significant increase in ASD, there are few if any clues for its pathogenesis, hampering early detection or treatment. Premature babies are also more vulnerable to infections and inflammation leading to neurodevelopmental problems and higher risk of developing ASD. Many autism "susceptibility" genes have been identified, but "environmental" factors appear to play a significant role. Increasing evidence suggests that there are different ASD endophenotypes. DISCUSSION We review relevant literature suggesting in utero inflammation can lead to preterm labor, while insufficient development of the gut-blood-brain barriers could permit exposure to potential neurotoxins. This risk apparently may increase in parents with "allergic" or autoimmune problems during gestation, or if they had been exposed to stressors. The presence of circulating auto-antibodies against fetal brain proteins in mothers is associated with higher risk of autism and suggests disruption of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). A number of papers have reported increased brain expression or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF, which is preformed in mast cells. Recent evidence also indicates increased serum levels of the pro-inflammatory mast cell trigger neurotensin (NT), and of extracellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is immunogenic. Gene mutations of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), the negative regulator of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), have been linked to higher risk of autism, but also to increased proliferation and function of mast cells. SUMMARY Premature birth and susceptibility genes may make infants more vulnerable to allergic, environmental, infectious, or stress-related triggers that could stimulate mast cell release of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic molecules, thus contributing to brain inflammation and ASD pathogenesis, at least in an endophenotype of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asimenia Angelidou
- Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Molecular Physiology and Pharmacology, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Sears ME, Genuis SJ. Environmental determinants of chronic disease and medical approaches: recognition, avoidance, supportive therapy, and detoxification. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 2012:356798. [PMID: 22315626 PMCID: PMC3270432 DOI: 10.1155/2012/356798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization warns that chronic, noncommunicable diseases are rapidly becoming epidemic worldwide. Escalating rates of neurocognitive, metabolic, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases cannot be ascribed only to genetics, lifestyle, and nutrition; early life and ongoing exposures, and bioaccumulated toxicants may also cause chronic disease. Contributors to ill health are summarized from multiple perspectives--biological effects of classes of toxicants, mechanisms of toxicity, and a synthesis of toxic contributors to major diseases. Healthcare practitioners have wide-ranging roles in addressing environmental factors in policy and public health and clinical practice. Public health initiatives include risk recognition and chemical assessment then exposure reduction, remediation, monitoring, and avoidance. The complex web of disease and environmental contributors is amenable to some straightforward clinical approaches addressing multiple toxicants. Widely applicable strategies include nutrition and supplements to counter toxic effects and to support metabolism; as well as exercise and sweating, and possibly medication to enhance excretion. Addressing environmental health and contributors to chronic disease has broad implications for society, with large potential benefits from improved health and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Sears
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L1.
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Yamamichi J, Ojima T, Yurugi K, Iida M, Imamura T, Ashihara E, Kimura S, Maekawa T. Single-step, label-free quantification of antibody in human serum for clinical applications based on localized surface plasmon resonance. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2011; 7:889-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 12/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Genuis SJ. Sensitivity-related illness: the escalating pandemic of allergy, food intolerance and chemical sensitivity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:6047-6061. [PMID: 20920818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2010] [Revised: 08/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic-related diseases, food intolerance, and chemical sensitivities in both the pediatric and adult population has increased dramatically over the last two decades, with escalating rates of associated morbidity. Conditions of acquired allergy, food intolerance and chemical hypersensitivity are frequently the direct sequelae of a toxicant induced loss of tolerance (TILT) in response to a significant initiating toxic exposure. Following the primary toxicant insult, the individuals become sensitive to low levels of diverse and unrelated triggers in their environment such as commonly encountered chemical, inhalant or food antigens. Among sensitized individuals, exposure to assorted inciting stimuli may precipitate diverse clinical and/or immune sequelae as may be evidenced by clinical symptoms as well as varied lymphocyte, antibody, or cytokine responses in some cases. Recently recognized as a mechanism of disease development, TILT and resultant sensitivity-related illness (SRI) may involve various organ systems and evoke wide-ranging physical or neuropsychological manifestations. With escalating rates of toxicant exposure and bioaccumulation in the population-at-large, an increasing proportion of contemporary illness is the direct result of TILT and ensuing SRI. Avoidance of triggers will preclude symptoms, and desensitization immunotherapy or immune suppression may ameliorate symptomatology in some cases. Resolution of SRI generally occurs on a gradual basis following the elimination of bioaccumulated toxicity and avoidance of further initiating adverse environmental exposures. As has usually been the case throughout medical history whenever new evidence regarding disease mechanisms emerges, resistance to the translation of knowledge abounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Genuis
- Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of alberta, Canada.
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