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Blum K, Bowirrat A, Sunder K, Thanos PK, Hanna C, Gold MS, Dennen CA, Elman I, Murphy KT, Makale MT. Dopamine Dysregulation in Reward and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2024; 14:733. [PMID: 39061473 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070733] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is primarily characterized by core deficits in social skills, communication, and cognition and by repetitive stereotyped behaviors. These manifestations are variable between individuals, and ASD pathogenesis is complex, with over a thousand implicated genes, many epigenetic factors, and multiple environmental influences. The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) mediated brain reward system is held to play a key role, but the rapidly expanding literature reveals intricate, nuanced signaling involving a wide array of mesolimbic loci, neurotransmitters and receptor subtypes, and neuronal variants. How altered DA signaling may constitute a downstream convergence of the manifold causal origins of ASD is not well understood. A clear working framework of ASD pathogenesis may help delineate common stages and potential diagnostic and interventional opportunities. Hence, we summarize the known natural history of ASD in the context of emerging data and perspectives to update ASD reward signaling. Then, against this backdrop, we proffer a provisional framework that organizes ASD pathogenesis into successive levels, including (1) genetic and epigenetic changes, (2) disrupted mesolimbic reward signaling pathways, (3) dysregulated neurotransmitter/DA signaling, and finally, (4) altered neurocognitive and social behavior and possible antagonist/agonist based ASD interventions. This subdivision of ASD into a logical progression of potentially addressable parts may help facilitate the rational formulation of diagnostics and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Exercise Sports, Mental Health, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Sunder Foundation, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulations, PeakLogic, LLC, Del Mar, CA 92130, USA
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | | | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Colin Hanna
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Catherine A Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard University School of Medicine, Cambridge, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kevin T Murphy
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulations, PeakLogic, LLC, Del Mar, CA 92130, USA
| | - Milan T Makale
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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2
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Bicks LK, Geschwind DH. Functional neurogenomics in autism spectrum disorders: A decade of progress. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 86:102858. [PMID: 38547564 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genetics have identified many genetic causes, reflecting remarkable progress while at the same time identifying challenges such as heterogeneity and pleiotropy, which complicate attempts to connect genetic risk to mechanisms. High-throughput functional genomic approaches have yielded progress by defining a molecular pathology in the brain of individuals with ASD and in identifying convergent biological pathways through which risk genes are predicted to act. These studies indicate that ASD genetic risk converges in early brain development, primarily during the period of cortical neurogenesis. Over development, genetic perturbations in turn lead to broad neuronal signaling dysregulation, most prominent in glutamatergic cortical-cortical projecting neurons and somatostatin positive interneurons, which is accompanied by glial dyshomeostasis throughout the cerebral cortex. Connecting these developmental perturbations to disrupted neuronal and glial function in the postnatal brain is an important direction in current research. Coupling functional genomic approaches with advances in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural organoid development provides a promising avenue for connecting brain pathology to developmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy K Bicks
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 695 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. https://twitter.com/Bickslucy
| | - D H Geschwind
- Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 695 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 695 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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3
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Borreca A, Mantovani C, Desiato G, Corradini I, Filipello F, Elia CA, D'Autilia F, Santamaria G, Garlanda C, Morini R, Pozzi D, Matteoli M. Loss of interleukin 1 signaling causes impairment of microglia- mediated synapse elimination and autistic-like behaviour in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:493-509. [PMID: 38307446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.01.221] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last years, the hypothesis that elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases has gained popularity. IL-1 is one of the main cytokines found to be elevated in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by defects in social communication and cognitive impairments. In this study, we demonstrate that mice lacking IL-1 signaling display autistic-like defects associated with an excessive number of synapses. We also show that microglia lacking IL-1 signaling at early neurodevelopmental stages are unable to properly perform the process of synapse engulfment and display excessive activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Notably, even the acute inhibition of IL-1R1 by IL-1Ra is sufficient to enhance mTOR signaling and reduce synaptosome phagocytosis in WT microglia. Finally, we demonstrate that rapamycin treatment rescues the defects in IL-1R deficient mice. These data unveil an exclusive role of microglial IL-1 in synapse refinement via mTOR signaling and indicate a novel mechanism possibly involved in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with defects in the IL-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Borreca
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Mantovani
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Genni Desiato
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Corradini
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabia Filipello
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Adriana Elia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Autilia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Santamaria
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Garlanda
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Morini
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Pozzi
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Matteoli
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
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Gao J, Xu Y, Li Y, Lu F, Wang Z. Comprehensive exploration of multi-modal and multi-branch imaging markers for autism diagnosis and interpretation: insights from an advanced deep learning model. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad521. [PMID: 38220572 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad521] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with diverse genetic and brain involvement. Despite magnetic resonance imaging advances, autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and understanding its neurogenetic factors remain challenging. We propose a dual-branch graph neural network that effectively extracts and fuses features from bimodalities, achieving 73.9% diagnostic accuracy. To explain the mechanism distinguishing autism spectrum disorder from healthy controls, we establish a perturbation model for brain imaging markers and perform a neuro-transcriptomic joint analysis using partial least squares regression and enrichment to identify potential genetic biomarkers. The perturbation model identifies brain imaging markers related to structural magnetic resonance imaging in the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, while functional magnetic resonance imaging markers primarily reside in the frontal, temporal, occipital lobes, and cerebellum. The neuro-transcriptomic joint analysis highlights genes associated with biological processes, such as "presynapse," "behavior," and "modulation of chemical synaptic transmission" in autism spectrum disorder's brain development. Different magnetic resonance imaging modalities offer complementary information for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Our dual-branch graph neural network achieves high accuracy and identifies abnormal brain regions and the neuro-transcriptomic analysis uncovers important genetic biomarkers. Overall, our study presents an effective approach for assisting in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and identifying genetic biomarkers, showing potential for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Gao
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yuhang Xu
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yanling Li
- School of Electrical Engineering and Electronic Information, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China
| | - Fengmei Lu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Zhengning Wang
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
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5
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Parrella NF, Hill AT, Dipnall LM, Loke YJ, Enticott PG, Ford TC. Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:113-125. [PMID: 38016393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a prominent role in regulating neural development and function, with disruption to GABAergic signalling linked to behavioural phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Such neurochemical disruption, likely resulting from diverse genetic and molecular mechanisms, particularly during early development, can subsequently affect the cellular balance of excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits, which may account for the social processing difficulties observed in autism and related conditions. This comprehensive narrative review integrates diverse streams of research from several disciplines, including molecular neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience. In so doing it aims to elucidate the relevance of inhibitory dysfunction to autism, with specific focus on social processing difficulties that represent a core feature of this disorder. Many of the social processing difficulties experienced in autism have been linked to higher levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and/or lower levels of inhibitory GABA. While current therapeutic options for social difficulties in autism are largely limited to behavioural interventions, this review highlights the psychopharmacological studies that explore the utility of GABA modulation in alleviating such difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron T Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lillian M Dipnall
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Yuk Jing Loke
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Bukatova S, Bacova Z, Osacka J, Bakos J. Mini review of molecules involved in altered postnatal neurogenesis in autism. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37815399 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2269304] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The neurobiology of autism is complex, but emerging research points to potential abnormalities and alterations in neurogenesis. The aim of the present review is to describe the advances in the understanding of the role of selected neurotrophins, neuropeptides, and other compounds secreted by neuronal cells in the processes of postnatal neurogenesis in conjunction with autism. We characterize the fundamental mechanisms of neuronal cell proliferation, generation of major neuronal cell types with special emphasis on neurogenic niches - the subventricular zone and hippocampal areas. We also discuss changes in intracellular calcium levels and calcium-dependent transcription factors in the context of the regulation of neurogenesis and cell fate determination. To sum up, this review provides specific insight into the known association between alterations in the function of the entire spectrum of molecules involved in neurogenesis and the etiology of autism pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislava Bukatova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Osacka
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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7
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Mudassir BU, Alotaibi MA, Kizilbash N, Alruwaili D, Alruwaili A, Alenezi M, Agha Z. Genome-wide CNV analysis uncovers novel pathogenic regions in cohort of five multiplex families with neurodevelopmental disorders. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19718. [PMID: 37810058 PMCID: PMC10558996 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural reorganization of chromosomes by genomic duplications and/or deletions are known as copy number variations (CNVs). Pathogenic and disease susceptible CNVs alter gene dosage and its phenotypic expression that often leads to human genetic diseases including Neurological disorders. CNVs affecting same common genes in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders can better explain the shared clinical and genetic aetiology across brain diseases. Our study presents the novel copy number variations in a cohort of five multiplex consanguineous families with intellectual disability, microcephaly, ASD, epilepsy, and neurological syndromic features. Cytoscan HD microarray suite has revealed genome wide deletions, duplications and LOH regions which are co-segregating in the family members for the rare neurodevelopmental syndromic phenotypes. This study identifies 1q21.1 microduplication, 16p11.2 microduplication, Xp11.22 microduplication, 4p12 microdeletion and Xq21.1 microdeletion that significantly contribute to primary disease onset and its progression for the first time in Pakistani families. Our study has potential impact on the understanding of pathogenic genetic predisposition for appearance of complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with otherwise unexplained syndromic features. Identification of altered gene dosage across the genome is helpful in improved diagnosis, better disease management in day-to-day life activities of patients with cognitive impairment and genetic counselling of families where consanguinity is a tradition. Our study will contribute to expand the knowledge of genotype-phenotype expression and future gateways in therapeutics and precision medicine research will be open in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behjat Ul Mudassir
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Nadeem Kizilbash
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daliyah Alruwaili
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar Alruwaili
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Modhi Alenezi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zehra Agha
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Karaca M, Tahtasakal R, Dana H, Sahin M, Pirencioglu SN, Tughan E, Dal F, Demirci E, Sener EF. Decreased levels of alpha synuclein in families with autism spectrum disorder and relationship between the disease severity. Brain Res 2023; 1814:148410. [PMID: 37244604 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in early childhood. Mutations in α-synuclein (SNCA) gene have been shown to result in the accumulation of α-synuclein, which occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases. Our aim was to determine the changes in the expression profile and protein level of this gene by comparing the autistic children with their healthy siblings, their mothers and healthy controls in order to elucidate the possible contribution of the SNCA gene to the etiology of ASD. 50 autistic patients, their mothers, siblings and 25 healthy controls and their mothers were enrolled to determine SNCA gene expression and serum α-synuclein levels. It was determined that α-synuclein serum levels decreased in the autistic patients. Similarly, it was found that SNCA gene expression and serum α-synuclein levels were significantly decreased in the mothers of the patients. Significant negative correlation was observed between the SNCA gene and protein expression amounts in the 6-8 age of the patients. This family-based study is the first in the literature, with both gene expression and serum levels of α-synuclein. The relationship between ASD severity and α-synuclein level needs to be confirmed in larger-scale studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukaddes Karaca
- Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Reyhan Tahtasakal
- Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Halime Dana
- Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Murside Sahin
- Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Seyda Nur Pirencioglu
- Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Emre Tughan
- Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fatma Dal
- Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Esra Demirci
- Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Elif Funda Sener
- Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, Kayseri, Turkey
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Njotto LL, Simin J, Fornes R, Odsbu I, Mussche I, Callens S, Engstrand L, Bruyndonckx R, Brusselaers N. Maternal and Early-Life Exposure to Antibiotics and the Risk of Autism and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Childhood: a Swedish Population-Based Cohort Study. Drug Saf 2023; 46:467-478. [PMID: 37087706 PMCID: PMC10164008 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01297-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antibiotics represent the most common type of medication used during pregnancy and infancy. Antibiotics have been proposed as a possible factor in changes in microbiota composition, which may play a role in the aetiology of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our aim was to investigate the association between maternal and early-life antibiotic use and autism and ADHD in childhood. METHODS This Swedish nation-wide population-based cohort study included all first live singleton births (N = 483,459) between January 2006 and December 2016. The association of dispensed antibiotics with autism and ADHD in children aged ≤ 11 years was estimated by applying multivariable logistic regression and generalised estimating equations models. RESULTS Of the mothers, 25.9% (n = 125,106) were dispensed ≥1 antibiotic during the exposure period (from 3 months pre-conception to delivery), and 41.6% (n = 201,040) of the children received ≥ 1 antibiotic in early life (aged ≤ 2 years). Penicillin was the most prescribed antibiotic class (17.9% of mothers, 38.2% of children). Maternal antibiotic use was associated with an increased risk of autism [odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.23] and ADHD (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.21-1.36) in childhood. Early-life exposure to antibiotics showed an even stronger association [autism (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.38-1.55); ADHD (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.80-2.00)]. Both maternal and childhood-exposure sub-analyses suggested a dose-response relationship. CONCLUSION Maternal and early-life antibiotic use was associated with an increased risk of autism and ADHD in childhood. However, differences were noted by exposure period and antibiotic classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lembris L Njotto
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Mathematics and ICT, College of Business Education (CBE), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Johanna Simin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Romina Fornes
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingvild Odsbu
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Department of Mental Disorders, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Isabelle Mussche
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, Centre for Ambulatory Revalidation (CAR) Ascendre, Eeklo/Wetteren, Belgium
| | - Steven Callens
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Global Health Institutet, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lars Engstrand
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nele Brusselaers
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Global Health Institute, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Murakami Y, Imamura Y, Kasahara Y, Yoshida C, Momono Y, Fang K, Sakai D, Konishi Y, Nishiyama T. Maternal Inflammation with Elevated Kynurenine Metabolites Is Related to the Risk of Abnormal Brain Development and Behavioral Changes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071087. [PMID: 37048160 PMCID: PMC10093447 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies show that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders. Maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation is considered one of the major environmental factors driving this process. The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) catabolism in mammalian cells. Activation of the KP following neuro-inflammation can generate various endogenous neuroactive metabolites that may impact brain functions and behaviors. Additionally, neurotoxic metabolites and excitotoxicity cause long-term changes in the trophic support, glutamatergic system, and synaptic function following KP activation. Therefore, investigating the role of KP metabolites during neurodevelopment will likely promote further understanding of additional pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, we describe the changes in KP metabolism in the brain during pregnancy and represent how maternal inflammation and genetic factors influence the KP during development. We overview the patients with ASD clinical data and animal models designed to verify the role of perinatal KP elevation in long-lasting biochemical, neuropathological, and behavioral deficits later in life. Our review will help shed light on new therapeutic strategies and interventions targeting the KP for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Murakami
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yukio Imamura
- Department of Architecture and Architectual Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine/Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kasahara
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yoshida
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuta Momono
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Ke Fang
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Biology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yukuo Konishi
- Center for Baby Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe 619-0225, Japan
- Healthcare and Medical Data Multi-Level Integration Platform Group, RIKEN Medical Sciences Innovation Hub Program, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Nishiyama
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
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Apte M, Kumar A. Correlation of Mutated gene and Signalling pathways in ASD. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 14:384-392. [PMID: 37101819 PMCID: PMC10123338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complicated spectrum of neurodevelopmental illnesses characterized by repetitive and constrained behaviors and interests, as well as social interaction and communication difficulties that are first shown in infancy. More than 18 million Indians, according to the National Health Portal of India, and 1 in 160 children worldwide, according to the WHO, are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. This review aims to discuss the complex genetic architecture that underlies autism and summarizes the role of proteins likely to play in the development of autism. We also consider how genetic mutations can affect convergent signaling pathways and hinder the development of brain circuitry and the role of cognition development and theory of mind with Cognition-behavior therapy benefits in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhavi Apte
- Quality Assurance and Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle, 400056 Mumbai, India
- Correspondence to: SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mithibai Campus, V.M. Road, Vile Parle West, 400056 Mumbai, India.
| | - Aayush Kumar
- Quality Assurance, SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle, 400056 Mumbai, India
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Kawano S, Baba M, Fukushima H, Miura D, Hashimoto H, Nakazawa T. Autism-associated ANK2 regulates embryonic neurodevelopment. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 605:45-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Waterhouse L. Heterogeneity thwarts autism explanatory power: A proposal for endophenotypes. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:947653. [PMID: 36532199 PMCID: PMC9751779 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.947653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Many researchers now believe that autism heterogeneity is likely to include many disorders, but most research is based on samples defined by the DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) criteria. However, individuals diagnosed with autism have complex and varied biological causes for their symptoms. Therefore, autism is not a unitary biological entity. And although autism is significantly different from typical development, autism is not a unitary clinical disorder because diagnosed individuals vary in symptom patterns, comorbidities, biomarkers, and gene variants. The DSM-5 ASD criteria were designed to reduce heterogeneity, and there have been many other efforts to reduce autism heterogeneity including using more stringent clinical criteria, dividing autism into low and high functioning groups, creating subgroups, and by studying larger samples. However, to date these efforts have not been successful. Heterogeneity is extensive and remains unexplained, and no autism pathophysiology has been discovered. Most importantly, heterogeneity has hindered the explanatory power of the autism diagnosis to discover drug regimens and effective behavioral treatments. The paper proposes that possible transdiagnostic endophenotypes may reduce autism heterogeneity. Searching for transdiagnostic endophenotypes requires exploring autism symptoms outside of the framework of the DSM-5 autism diagnosis. This paper proposes that researchers relax diagnostic criteria to increase the range of phenotypes to support the search for transdiagnostic endophenotypes. The paper proposes possible candidates for transdiagnostic endophenotypes. These candidates are taken from DSM-5 ASD criteria, from concepts that have resulted from researched theories, and from symptoms that are the result of subtyping. The paper then sketches a possible basis for a future transdiagnostic endophenotypes screening tool that includes symptoms of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Waterhouse
- The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ, United States
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