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Allan NP, Yamamoto BY, Kunihiro BP, Nunokawa CKL, Rubas NC, Wells RK, Umeda L, Phankitnirundorn K, Torres A, Peres R, Takahashi E, Maunakea AK. Ketogenic Diet Induced Shifts in the Gut Microbiome Associate with Changes to Inflammatory Cytokines and Brain-Related miRNAs in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutrients 2024; 16:1401. [PMID: 38794639 PMCID: PMC11124410 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101401] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this interventional pilot study, we investigated the effects of a modified ketogenic diet (KD) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously observed improved behavioral symptoms in this cohort following the KD; this trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02477904). This report details the alterations observed in the microbiota, inflammation markers, and microRNAs of seven children following a KD for a duration of 4 months. Our analysis included blood and stool samples, collected before and after the KD. After 4 months follow up, we found that the KD led to decreased plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12p70 and IL-1b) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Additionally, we observed changes in the gut microbiome, increased expression of butyrate kinase in the gut, and altered levels of BDNF-associated miRNAs in the plasma. These cohort findings suggest that the KD may positively influence ASD sociability, as previously observed, by reducing inflammation, reversing gut microbial dysbiosis, and impacting the BDNF pathway related to brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina P. Allan
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Brennan Y. Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Braden P. Kunihiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Chandler K. L. Nunokawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Noelle C. Rubas
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Riley K. Wells
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Lesley Umeda
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Krit Phankitnirundorn
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Amada Torres
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Rafael Peres
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Alika K. Maunakea
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
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Hughes HK, Moreno RJ, Ashwood P. Innate Immune Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2024; 22:229-241. [PMID: 38680981 PMCID: PMC11046725 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.24022004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation. Appeared originally in Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Hughes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
| | - R J Moreno
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
| | - P Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
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García-Cerro S, Gómez-Garrido A, Garcia G, Crespo-Facorro B, Brites D. Exploratory Analysis of MicroRNA Alterations in a Neurodevelopmental Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2786. [PMID: 38474035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression levels and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). In this study, we examined the adult expression profiles of specific miRNAs in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of a neurodevelopmental mouse model for ASD and SCZ that mimics perinatal pathology, such as NMDA receptor hypofunction, and exhibits behavioral and neurophysiological phenotypes related to these disorders during adulthood. To model the early neuropathogenesis of the disorders, mouse pups were administered subcutaneously with ketamine (30 mg/Kg) at postnatal days 7, 9, and 11. We focused on a set of miRNAs most frequently altered in ASD (miR-451a and miR-486-3p) and in SCZ (miR-132-3p and miR-137-3p) according to human studies. Additionally, we explored miRNAs whose alterations have been identified in both disorders (miR-21-5p, miR-92a-2-5p, miR-144-3p, and miR-146a-5p). We placed particular emphasis on studying the sexual dimorphism in the dynamics of these miRNAs. Our findings revealed significant alterations in the PFC of this ASD- and SCZ-like mouse model. Specifically, we observed upregulated miR-451a and downregulated miR-137-3p. Furthermore, we identified sexual dimorphism in the expression of miR-132-3p, miR-137-3p, and miR-92a-2-5p. From a translational perspective, our results emphasize the potential involvement of miR-92a-2-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-137-3p, and miR-451a in the pathophysiology of ASD and SCZ and strengthen their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana García-Cerro
- Translational Psychiatry Group, Ibis-Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla-CSIC, Manuel Siurot AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Monforte de Lemos AV, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Gómez-Garrido
- Translational Psychiatry Group, Ibis-Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla-CSIC, Manuel Siurot AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Monforte de Lemos AV, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonçalo Garcia
- Neuroinflammation, Signaling and Neuroregeneration Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- Translational Psychiatry Group, Ibis-Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla-CSIC, Manuel Siurot AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Monforte de Lemos AV, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Mental Health Unit, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Manuel Siurot AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Sánchez Pizjuán AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Dora Brites
- Neuroinflammation, Signaling and Neuroregeneration Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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Molani-Gol R, Alizadeh M, Kheirouri S, Hamedi-Kalajahi F. The early life growth of head circumference, weight, and height in infants with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:619. [PMID: 38066466 PMCID: PMC10704616 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS The Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence has increased significantly over the past two decades. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the association between the early life growth of head circumference (HC), weight, and height with ASD in infants. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to November 2021 using relevant keywords. All original articles are written in English evaluating the early life growth of HC, weight, and height in infants with ASD were eligible for the present review. RESULTS Totally, 23 articles involving 4959 infants were included in this review. Of 13 studies that evaluated HC of infants at birth, 10 studies (83.33%) showed that the HC at the birth of autistic children was similar to that of the average found in the control group. Among 21 studies that evaluated the HC and weight status in infants, 19 studies (90.47%) showed that autistic children had larger HC and weight than the control group or abnormal acceleration of head growth during infancy. Height growth of infants was investigated in 13 studies, of which 10 cases (76.92%) reported that infants with ASD were significantly longer than control groups. Most of he included studies had a good quality. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that in infants with ASD, without the contribution of birth growth factors and sex of the child, the growth of HC, weight, and height probably was faster than in infants with normal development, in early life. Therefore, these measurements might be useful as initial predictive biomarkers for the risk of developing ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghayeh Molani-Gol
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Attar Nishabouri St, 14711, Tabriz, 5166614711, Iran
| | - Mohammad Alizadeh
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Attar Nishabouri St, 14711, Tabriz, 5166614711, Iran
| | - Sorayya Kheirouri
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Attar Nishabouri St, 14711, Tabriz, 5166614711, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Hamedi-Kalajahi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Attar Nishabouri St, 14711, Tabriz, 5166614711, Iran
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Guiducci L, Cabiati M, Santocchi E, Prosperi M, Morales MA, Muratori F, Randazzo E, Federico G, Calderoni S, Del Ry S. Expression of miRNAs in Pre-Schoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders Compared with Typically Developing Peers and Its Effects after Probiotic Supplementation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7162. [PMID: 38002774 PMCID: PMC10672692 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alteration of the microbiota-gut-brain axis has been recently recognized as a possible contributor to the physiopathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this context, microRNA (miRNAs) dysfunction, implicated both in several neuropathological conditions including ASD and in different gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs), could represent an important modulating factor. In this contextual framework, we studied the transcriptional profile of specific circulating miRNAs associated with both ASD (miR-197-5p, miR-424-5p, miR-500a-5p, miR-664a-5p) and GID (miR-21-5p, miR-320a-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-223-5p) in a group of pre-schoolers with ASD and in typically developing (TD) peers. In the ASD group, we also assessed the same miRNAs after a 6-month supplementation with probiotics and their correlation with plasma levels of zonulin and lactoferrin. At baseline, the expression of miRNAs involved in ASD were significantly reduced in ASD pre-schoolers vs. TD controls. Regarding the miRNAs involved in GID, the expression levels of miR-320-5p, miR-31-5p, and miR-223-5p were significantly higher in ASD than in TD subjects, whereas miR-21-5p showed significantly reduced expression in the ASD group vs. TD group. Supplementation with probiotics did not significantly change the expression of miRNAs in the ASD population. We found a significative negative correlation between zonulin and miR-197-5p and miR-21-5p at baseline, as well as between lactoferrin and miR-223-5p after 6 months of probiotic supplementation. Our study confirms the presence of an altered profile of the miRNAs investigated in ASD versus TD peers that was not modified by supplementation with probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Guiducci
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Manuela Cabiati
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- UFSMIA Zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 55032 Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Italy;
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- UFSMIA Valdera-Alta Val di Cecina, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria Aurora Morales
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Emioli Randazzo
- Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.R.); (G.F.)
| | - Giovanni Federico
- Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.R.); (G.F.)
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Del Ry
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
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de la Rubia Ortí JE, Moneti C, Serrano-Ballesteros P, Castellano G, Bayona-Babiloni R, Carriquí-Suárez AB, Motos-Muñoz M, Proaño B, Benlloch M. Liposomal Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate for the Treatment of Intestinal Dysbiosis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3265. [PMID: 37513683 PMCID: PMC10383799 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143265] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by varying degrees of difficulty in social interaction and communication. These deficits are often associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating alterations in both intestinal microbiota composition and metabolic activities. The intestinal microbiota influences the function and development of the nervous system. In individuals with ASD, there is an increase in bacterial genera such as Clostridium, as well as species involved in the synthesis of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) like Prevotella copri. Conversely, decreased amounts of Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium spp. are observed. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the polyphenols with the greatest beneficial activity on microbial growth, and its consumption is associated with reduced psychological distress. Therefore, the objective of this review is to analyze how EGCG and its metabolites can improve the microbial dysbiosis present in ASD and its impact on the pathology. The analysis reveals that EGCG inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile. Moreover, it increases the abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia spp. As a result, EGCG demonstrates efficacy in increasing the production of metabolites involved in maintaining epithelial integrity and improving brain function. This identifies EGCG as highly promising for complementary treatment in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Costanza Moneti
- Doctoral School, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Gloria Castellano
- Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno (CITSAM), Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel Bayona-Babiloni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Carriquí-Suárez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Motos-Muñoz
- Department of Personality Psychology, Treatment and Methodology, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Child Neurorehabilitation Unit, Manises Hospital, 46940 Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Proaño
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Benlloch
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
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Liu Y, Ding M, Pan S, Zhou R, Yao J, Fu R, Yu H, Lu Z. MicroRNA-23a-3p is upregulated in plasma exosomes of bulbar-onset ALS patients and targets ERBB4. Neuroscience 2023:S0306-4522(23)00250-6. [PMID: 37290686 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.05.030] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease related to the progressive death of motor neurons. Understanding the pathogenesis of ALS continues to provide considerable challenges. Bulbar-onset ALS involves faster functional loss and shorter survival time than spinal cord-onset ALS. However, debate is ongoing regarding typical plasma miRNA changes in ALS patients with bulbar onset. Exosomal miRNAs have not yet been described as a tool for bulbar-onset ALS diagnosis or prognosis prediction. In this study, candidate exosomal miRNAs were identified by small RNA sequencing using samples from patients with bulbar-onset ALS and healthy controls. Potential pathogenic mechanisms were identified through enrichment analysis of target genes for differential miRNAs. Expression of miR-16-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-22-3p, and miR-93-5p was significantly up-regulated in plasma exosomes from bulbar-onset ALS patients compared with healthy control subjects. Among them, miR-16-5p and miR-23a-3p were significantly lower in spinal-onset ALS patients than those with bulbar-onset. Furthermore, up-regulation of miR-23a-3p in motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell viability. This miRNA was found to directly target ERBB4 and regulate the AKT/GSK3β pathway. Collectively, the above miRNAs and their targets are related to the development of bulbar-onset ALS. Our research indicates that miR-23a-3p might have an effect on motor neuron loss observed in bulbar-onset ALS and may be a novel target for the therapy of ALS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Man Ding
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sijia Pan
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rumeng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajia Yao
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuneng Lu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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8
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Cleary S, Teskey G, Mathews C, Sachachar RJ, Nicolson R, Weksberg R, Anagnostou E, Bowdish DME, Foster JA. Assessment of a multisite standardized biospecimen collection protocol for immune phenotyping in neurodevelopmental disorders. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6971. [PMID: 37117247 PMCID: PMC10147654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Multisite collection and preservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for centralized analysis is an indispensable strategy for large cohort immune phenotyping studies. However, the absence of cross-site standardized protocols introduces unnecessary sample variance. Here we describe the protocol implemented by the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network's immune platform for the multisite collection, processing, and cryopreservation of PBMCs. We outline quality control standards and evaluate the performance of our PBMC processing and storage protocol. We also describe the Child Immune History Questionnaire results, an assessment tool evaluating pre-existing immune conditions in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Cell viability was assessed in samples from 178 participants based on strict quality control criteria. Overall, 83.1% of samples passed quality control standards. Samples collected and processed at the same site had higher quality control pass rates than samples that were collected and subsequently shipped to another site for processing. We investigated if freezer time impacted sample viability and found no difference in mean freezer time between samples that passed and failed quality control. The Child Immune History Questionnaire had a response rate of 87.1%. The described protocol produces viable samples that may be used in future immune phenotyping experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Cleary
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- The Research Institute at St. Joe's, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Teskey
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Craig Mathews
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- The Research Institute at St. Joe's, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Russell J Sachachar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Nicolson
- Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics and Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institiute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn M E Bowdish
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jane A Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- The Research Institute at St. Joe's, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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9
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Kim JY, Kim W, Lee KH. The role of microRNAs in the molecular link between circadian rhythm and autism spectrum disorder. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:38-52. [PMID: 36860270 PMCID: PMC9970207 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2180535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm regulates physiological cycles of awareness and sleepiness. Melatonin production is primarily regulated by circadian regulation of gene expression and is involved in sleep homeostasis. If the circadian rhythm is abnormal, sleep disorders, such as insomnia and several other diseases, can occur. The term 'autism spectrum disorder (ASD)' is used to characterize people who exhibit a certain set of repetitive behaviors, severely constrained interests, social deficits, and/or sensory behaviors that start very early in life. Because many patients with ASD suffer from sleep disorders, sleep disorders and melatonin dysregulation are attracting attention for their potential roles in ASD. ASD is caused by abnormalities during the neurodevelopmental processes owing to various genetic or environmental factors. Recently, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in circadian rhythm and ASD have gained attraction. We hypothesized that the relationship between circadian rhythm and ASD could be explained by miRNAs that can regulate or be regulated by either or both. In this study, we introduced a possible molecular link between circadian rhythm and ASD. We performed a thorough literature review to understand their complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanil Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Republic of Korea, Wanil Kim Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do52727, Republic of Korea; Kyung-Ha Lee Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea, Wanil Kim Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do52727, Republic of Korea; Kyung-Ha Lee Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
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10
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Garrido-Torres N, Guzmán-Torres K, García-Cerro S, Pinilla Bermúdez G, Cruz-Baquero C, Ochoa H, García-González D, Canal-Rivero M, Crespo-Facorro B, Ruiz-Veguilla M. miRNAs as biomarkers of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s00787-023-02138-3. [PMID: 36735095 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex clinical manifestations that arise between 18 and 36 months of age. Social interaction deficiencies, a restricted range of interests, and repetitive stereotyped behaviors are characteristics which are sometimes difficult to detect early. Several studies show that microRNAs (miRs/miRNAs) are strongly implicated in the development of the disorder and affect the expression of genes related to different neurological pathways involved in ASD. The present systematic review and meta-analysis addresses the current status of miRNA studies in different body fluids and the most frequently dysregulated miRNAs in patients with ASD. We used a combined approach to summarize miRNA fold changes in different studies using the mean values. In addition, we summarized p values for differential miRNA expression using the Fisher method. Our literature search yielded a total of 133 relevant articles, 27 of which were selected for qualitative analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 16 studies evaluating miRNAs whose data were completely reported were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. The most frequently dysregulated miRNAs across the analyzed studies were miR-451a, miR-144-3p, miR-23b, miR-106b, miR150-5p, miR320a, miR92a-2-5p, and miR486-3p. Among the most dysregulated miRNAs in individuals with ASD, miR-451a is the most relevant to clinical practice and is associated with impaired social interaction. Other miRNAs, including miR19a-3p, miR-494, miR-142-3p, miR-3687, and miR-27a-3p, are differentially expressed in various tissues and body fluids of patients with ASD. Therefore, all these miRNAs can be considered candidates for ASD biomarkers. Saliva may be the optimal biological fluid for miRNA measurements, because it is easy to collect from children compared to other biological fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Garrido-Torres
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain
| | | | - Susana García-Cerro
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Hansel Ochoa
- Epidemiology Research Group (EpiAndes), Los Andes University, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego García-González
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Canal-Rivero
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain.
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain.
| | - Miguel Ruiz-Veguilla
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain
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11
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Innate immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254. [PMID: 36494048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation.
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12
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Li H, Xu Y, Li W, Zhang L, Zhang X, Li B, Chen Y, Wang X, Zhu C. Novel insights into the immune cell landscape and gene signatures in autism spectrum disorder by bioinformatics and clinical analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1082950. [PMID: 36761165 PMCID: PMC9905846 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1082950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not well understood, especially in terms of immunity and inflammation, and there are currently no early diagnostic or treatment methods. In this study, we obtained six existing Gene Expression Omnibus transcriptome datasets from the blood of ASD patients. We performed functional enrichment analysis, PPI analysis, CIBERSORT algorithm, and Spearman correlation analysis, with a focus on expression profiling in hub genes and immune cells. We validated that monocytes and nonclassical monocytes were upregulated in the ASD group using peripheral blood (30 children with ASD and 30 age and sex-matched typically developing children) using flow cytometry. The receiver operating characteristic curves (PSMC4 and ALAS2) and analysis stratified by ASD severity (LIlRB1 and CD69) showed that they had predictive value using the "training" and verification groups. Three immune cell types - monocytes, M2 macrophages, and activated dendritic cells - had different degrees of correlation with 15 identified hub genes. In addition, we analyzed the miRNA-mRNA network and agents-gene interactions using miRNA databases (starBase and miRDB) and the DSigDB database. Two miRNAs (miR-342-3p and miR-1321) and 23 agents were linked with ASD. These findings suggest that dysregulation of the immune system may contribute to ASD development, especially dysregulation of monocytes and monocyte-derived cells. ASD-related hub genes may serve as potential predictors for ASD, and the potential ASD-related miRNAs and agents identified here may open up new strategies for the prevention and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,National Health Council (NHC) Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Population Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Changlian Zhu, ;;
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13
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Rastegari M, Salehi N, Zare-Mirakabad F. Biomarker prediction in autism spectrum disorder using a network-based approach. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 36691005 PMCID: PMC9869547 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01439-5] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually diagnosed in early childhood. Timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatments such as behavioral therapy are important in autistic people. Discovering critical genes and regulators in this disorder can lead to early diagnosis. Since the contribution of miRNAs along their targets can lead us to a better understanding of autism, we propose a framework containing two steps for gene and miRNA discovery. METHODS The first step, called the FA_gene algorithm, finds a small set of genes involved in autism. This algorithm uses the WGCNA package to construct a co-expression network for control samples and seek modules of genes that are not reproducible in the corresponding co-expression network for autistic samples. Then, the protein-protein interaction network is constructed for genes in the non-reproducible modules and a small set of genes that may have potential roles in autism is selected based on this network. The second step, named the DMN_miRNA algorithm, detects the minimum number of miRNAs related to autism. To do this, DMN_miRNA defines an extended Set Cover algorithm over the mRNA-miRNA network, consisting of the selected genes and corresponding miRNA regulators. RESULTS In the first step of the framework, the FA_gene algorithm finds a set of important genes; TP53, TNF, MAPK3, ACTB, TLR7, LCK, RAC2, EEF2, CAT, ZAP70, CD19, RPLP0, CDKN1A, CCL2, CDK4, CCL5, CTSD, CD4, RACK1, CD74; using co-expression and protein-protein interaction networks. In the second step, the DMN_miRNA algorithm extracts critical miRNAs, hsa-mir-155-5p, hsa-mir-17-5p, hsa-mir-181a-5p, hsa-mir-18a-5p, and hsa-mir-92a-1-5p, as signature regulators for autism using important genes and mRNA-miRNA network. The importance of these key genes and miRNAs is confirmed by previous studies and enrichment analysis. CONCLUSION This study suggests FA_gene and DMN_miRNA algorithms for biomarker discovery, which lead us to a list of important players in ASD with potential roles in the nervous system or neurological disorders that can be experimentally investigated as candidates for ASD diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rastegari
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran, Polytechnic), 424, Hafez Ave, P.O. Box: 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zare-Mirakabad
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran, Polytechnic), 424, Hafez Ave, P.O. Box: 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Jensen AR, Lane AL, Werner BA, McLees SE, Fletcher TS, Frye RE. Modern Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Future Directions. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:483-495. [PMID: 35759118 PMCID: PMC9411091 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00600-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is an increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in the world today, with an estimated 2% of the population being affected in the USA. A major complicating factor in diagnosing, treating, and understanding autism spectrum disorder is that defining the disorder is solely based on the observation of behavior. Thus, recent research has focused on identifying specific biological abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder that can provide clues to diagnosis and treatment. Biomarkers are an objective way to identify and measure biological abnormalities for diagnostic purposes as well as to measure changes resulting from treatment. This current opinion paper discusses the state of research of various biomarkers currently in development for autism spectrum disorder. The types of biomarkers identified include prenatal history, genetics, neurological including neuroimaging, neurophysiologic, and visual attention, metabolic including abnormalities in mitochondrial, folate, trans-methylation, and trans-sulfuration pathways, immune including autoantibodies and cytokine dysregulation, autonomic nervous system, and nutritional. Many of these biomarkers have promising preliminary evidence for prenatal and post-natal pre-symptomatic risk assessment, confirmation of diagnosis, subtyping, and treatment response. However, most biomarkers have not undergone validation studies and most studies do not investigate biomarkers with clinically relevant comparison groups. Although the field of biomarker research in autism spectrum disorder is promising, it appears that it is currently in the early stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Jensen
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Alison L Lane
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Brianna A Werner
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Sallie E McLees
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Tessa S Fletcher
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Richard E Frye
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA.
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15
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Cao LH, He HJ, Zhao YY, Wang ZZ, Jia XY, Srivastava K, Miao MS, Li XM. Food Allergy-Induced Autism-Like Behavior is Associated with Gut Microbiota and Brain mTOR Signaling. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:645-664. [PMID: 35603013 PMCID: PMC9122063 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s348609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Food allergy-induced autism-like behavior has been increasing for decades, but the causal drivers of this association are unclear. We sought to test the association of gut microbiota and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling with cow’s milk allergy (CMA)-induced autism pathogenesis. Methods Mice were sensitized intragastrically with whey protein containing cholera toxin before sensitization on intraperitoneal injection with whey-containing alum, followed by intragastric allergen challenge to induce experimental CMA. The food allergic immune responses, ASD-like behavioral tests and changes in the mTOR signaling pathway and gut microbial community structure were performed. Results CMA mice showed autism-like behavioral abnormalities and several distinct biomarkers. These include increased levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in the hypothalamus; c-Fos were predominantly located in the region of the lateral orbital prefrontal cortex (PFC), but not ventral; decreased serotonin 1A in amygdala and PFC. CMA mice exhibited a specific microbiota signature characterized by coordinate changes in the abundance of taxa of several bacterial genera, including the Lactobacillus. Interestingly, the changes were accompanied by promoted mTOR signaling in the brain of CMA mice. Conclusion We found that disease-associated microbiota and mTOR activation may thus play a pathogenic role in the intestinal, immunological, and psychiatric Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-like symptoms seen in CAM associated autism. However, this is only a preliminary study, and their mechanisms require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Cao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Juan He
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xing-Yuan Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kamal Srivastava
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
- General Nutraceutical Technology, Elmsford, NY, 10523, USA
| | - Ming-San Miao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
- Correspondence: Xiu-Min Li; Ming-San Miao, Tel +1 914-594-4197, Fax +1 371-65962546, Email ;
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16
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Kaysheva AL, Isaeva AI, Pleshakova TO, Shumov ID, Valueva AA, Ershova MO, Ivanova IA, Ziborov VS, Iourov IY, Vorsanova SG, Ryabtsev SV, Archakov AI, Ivanov YD. Detection of Circulating Serum microRNA/Protein Complexes in ASD Using Functionalized Chips for an Atomic Force Microscope. Molecules 2021; 26:5979. [PMID: 34641523 PMCID: PMC8512613 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs, which circulate in blood, are characterized by high diagnostic value; in biomedical research, they can be considered as candidate markers of various diseases. Mature microRNAs of glial cells and neurons can cross the blood-brain barrier and can be detected in the serum of patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as components of macrovesicles, macromolecular protein and low-density lipoprotein particles. In our present study, we have proposed an approach, in which microRNAs in protein complexes can be concentrated on the surface of AFM chips with oligonucleotide molecular probes, specific against the target microRNAs. MicroRNAs, associated with the development of ASD in children, were selected as targets. The chips with immobilized molecular probes were incubated in serum samples of ASD patients and healthy volunteers. By atomic force microscopy (AFM), objects on the AFM chip surface have been revealed after incubation in the serum samples. The height of these objects amounted to 10 nm and 6 nm in the case of samples of ASD patients and healthy volunteers, respectively. MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of protein components on the chip surface allowed us to identify several cell proteins. These proteins are involved in the binding of nucleic acids (GBG10, RT24, RALYL), in the organization of proteasomes and nucleosomes (PSA4, NP1L4), and participate in the functioning of the channel of active potassium transport (KCNE5, KCNV2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Kaysheva
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
| | - Arina I. Isaeva
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
| | - Tatyana O. Pleshakova
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
| | - Ivan D. Shumov
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
| | - Anastasia A. Valueva
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
| | - Maria O. Ershova
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
| | - Irina A. Ivanova
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
| | - Vadim S. Ziborov
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
- Laboratory of Shock Wave Impacts, Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Izhorskaya St. 13 Bd.2, 125412 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Svetlana G. Vorsanova
- Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Taldomskaya St. 2, 125412 Moscow, Russia;
| | | | - Alexander I. Archakov
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
| | - Yuri D. Ivanov
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.K.); (T.O.P.); (I.D.S.); (A.A.V.); (M.O.E.); (I.A.I.); (V.S.Z.); (A.I.A.); (Y.D.I.)
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Yamauchi T, Makinodan M, Toritsuka M, Okumura K, Kayashima Y, Ishida R, Kishimoto N, Takahashi M, Komori T, Yamaguchi Y, Takada R, Yamamuro K, Kimoto S, Yasuda Y, Hashimoto R, Kishimoto T. Tumor necrosis factor-α expression aberration of M1/M2 macrophages in adult high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 14:2330-2341. [PMID: 34374213 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex, and its pathobiology is characterized by enhanced inflammatory activities; however, the precise pathobiology and underlying causes of ASD remain unclear. This study was performed to identify inflammatory indicators useful for diagnosing ASD. The mRNA expression of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), was measured in cultured M1 and M2 macrophages from patients with ASD (n = 29) and typically developed (TD) individuals (n = 30). Additionally, TNF-α expression in the monocytes of patients with ASD (n = 7), showing aberrations in TNF-α expression in M1/M2 macrophages and TD individuals (n = 6), was measured. TNF-α expression in M1 macrophages and the TNF-α expression ratio in M1/M2 macrophages were markedly higher in patients with ASD than in TD individuals; however, this increase was not observed in M2 macrophages (M1: sensitivity = 34.5%, specificity = 96.7%, area under the curve = 0.74, positive likelihood ratio = 10.34; ratio of M1/M2: sensitivity = 55.2%, specificity = 96.7%, area under the curve = 0.79, positive likelihood ratio = 16.55). Additionally, TNF-α expression in monocytes did not significantly differ between patients with ASD and TD individuals. In conclusion, further studies on TNF-α expression in cultured macrophages may improve the understanding of ASD pathobiology. LAY SUMMARY: TNF-α expression in differentiated M1 macrophages and TNF-α expression ratio in differentiated M1/M2 macrophages were markedly higher in patients with ASD than in TD individuals, while no difference in TNF-α expression was found in pre-differentiation cells such as monocytes. These measurements allow elucidation of the novel pathobiology of ASD and can contribute to biomarker implementation for the diagnosis of adult high-functioning ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahira Yamauchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Manabu Makinodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Michihiro Toritsuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Kazuki Okumura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kayashima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Rio Ishida
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Naoko Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Masato Takahashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Takashi Komori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Yasunari Yamaguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Ryohei Takada
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamuro
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Sohei Kimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
| | - Yuka Yasuda
- Life Grow Brilliant Mental Clinic, Medical Corporation Foster, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Hashimoto
- Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan
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Kichukova T, Petrov V, Popov N, Minchev D, Naimov S, Minkov I, Vachev T. Identification of serum microRNA signatures associated with autism spectrum disorder as promising candidate biomarkers. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07462. [PMID: 34286132 PMCID: PMC8278430 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07462] [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: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules with a well-recognized role in gene expression mostly at the post-transcriptional level. Recently, dysregulation of miRNAs and miRNA-mRNA interactions has been associated with CNS diseases, including numerous psychiatric disorders. Dynamic changes in the expression profiles of circulating miRNA are nowadays regarded as promising non-invasive biomarkers that may facilitate the accurate and timely diagnosis of complex conditions. Methods In this study, we investigated the gene expression patterns of four miRNAs, which were previously reported to be dysregulated in pooled serum samples taken from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients and typically developing children. The performance of a diagnostic model for ASD based on these four miRNAs was assessed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, which evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of the investigated miRNA biomarkers for ASD. Finally, to examine the potential modulation of CNS-related biological pathways, we carried out target identification and pathway analyses of the selected miRNAs. Results Significant differential expression for all the four studied miRNAs: miR-500a-5p, miR-197-5p, miR-424-5p, and miR-664a-3p, was consistently measured in the samples from ASD patients. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for miR-500a-5p, miR-197-5p, and miR-424-5p. With all miRNA expression data integrated into an additive ROC curve, the combination of miR-500a-5p and miR-197-5p provided the most powerful diagnostic model. On the other hand, the mRNA target mining showed that miR-424-5p and miR-500-5p regulate pools of target mRNA molecules which are enriched in a number of biological pathways associated with the development and differentiation of the nervous system. Conclusions The steady expression patterns of miR-500a-5p, miR-197-5p, miR-424-5p, and miR-664a-3p in ASD children suggest that these miRNAs can be considered good candidates for non-invasive molecular biomarkers in the study of ASD patients. The highest diagnostic potential is manifested by miR-500a-5p and miR-197-5p, whose combined ROC curve demonstrates very strong predictive accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kichukova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv, 24 Tzar Assen Street, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Veselin Petrov
- Department of Plant Physiology, Biochemistry and Genetics, Agricultural University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Popov
- Psychiatric Ward for Active Treatment of Men, State Psychiatry Hospital Pazardzhik, Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Danail Minchev
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, 15-A Vassil Aprilov Blvd., Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of 12 Plovdiv, 15A Vasil Aprilov Blvd, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Samir Naimov
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv, 24 Tzar Assen Street, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies (IMBB), Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tihomir Vachev
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv, 24 Tzar Assen Street, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Immunoglobulin G Abnormalities and the Therapeutic Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIG) in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11060488. [PMID: 34070826 PMCID: PMC8229039 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 2% of children in the United States. Growing evidence suggests that immune dysregulation is associated with ASD. One immunomodulatory treatment that has been studied in ASD is intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the studies which assessed immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations and the therapeutic use of IVIG for individuals with ASD. Twelve studies that examined IgG levels suggested abnormalities in total IgG and IgG 4 subclass concentrations, with concentrations in these IgGs related to aberrant behavior and social impairments, respectively. Meta-analysis supported possible subsets of children with ASD with low total IgG and elevated IgG 4 subclass but also found significant variability among studies. A total of 27 publications reported treating individuals with ASD using IVIG, including four prospective, controlled studies (one was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study); six prospective, uncontrolled studies; 2 retrospective, controlled studies; and 15 retrospective, uncontrolled studies. In some studies, clinical improvements were observed in communication, irritability, hyperactivity, cognition, attention, social interaction, eye contact, echolalia, speech, response to commands, drowsiness, decreased activity and in some cases, the complete resolution of ASD symptoms. Several studies reported some loss of these improvements when IVIG was stopped. Meta-analysis combining the aberrant behavior checklist outcome from two studies demonstrated that IVIG treatment was significantly associated with improvements in total aberrant behavior and irritability (with large effect sizes), and hyperactivity and social withdrawal (with medium effect sizes). Several studies reported improvements in pro-inflammatory cytokines (including TNF-alpha). Six studies reported improvements in seizures with IVIG (including patients with refractory seizures), with one study reporting a worsening of seizures when IVIG was stopped. Other studies demonstrated improvements in recurrent infections, appetite, weight gain, neuropathy, dysautonomia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Adverse events were generally limited but included headaches, vomiting, worsening behaviors, anxiety, fever, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Many studies were limited by the lack of standardized objective outcome measures. IVIG is a promising and potentially effective treatment for symptoms in individuals with ASD; further research is needed to provide solid evidence of efficacy and determine the subset of children with ASD who may best respond to this treatment as well as to investigate biomarkers which might help identify responsive candidates.
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20
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Teskey G, Anagnostou E, Mankad D, Smile S, Roberts W, Brian J, Bowdish DME, Foster JA. Intestinal permeability correlates with behavioural severity in very young children with ASD: A preliminary study. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 357:577607. [PMID: 34044209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic inflammation is known to alter behaviour, and since it has been reported that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have higher levels of circulating cytokines, it has been hypothesized that systemic inflammation may exacerbate behaviours characteristic of ASD. The acute phase proteins α-2-macroglobulin, C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, serum amyloid P, serum amyloid A, ferritin and tissue plasminogen activator, as well as markers of intestinal permeability (intestinal fatty acid binding protein and lipopolysaccharide) were quantitated in the plasma of very young children with ASD. Behaviour severity was measured using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS). An increase in circulating I-FABP correlated with more severe deficits in communication, communication + social interaction as well as maladaptive behaviour. The acute phase protein haptoglobin was associated with more severe social interaction and communication + social interaction. In summary, I-FABP, a marker of intestinal epithelial damage, was associated with more severe behavioural phenotypes in very young children with ASD. In addition, the acute phase protein, haptoglobin, was associated with behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Teskey
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deepali Mankad
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada
| | - Sharon Smile
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada
| | - Wendy Roberts
- Sick Kids, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn M E Bowdish
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jane A Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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21
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Quan L, Zhao Y, Yi J, Shi XD, Zhong Y, Liu L. Serum adiponectin levels are reduced in autism spectrum disorder and association with severity of symptoms. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:491-498. [PMID: 33471298 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00668-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence highlights the role of adiponectin in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yielding conflicting results. The aims of this study were (1) To assess the adiponectin levels of children with ASD and typical developing (TP); (2) To investigate the relationship between adiponectin levels and symptom severity of children with ASD. This is a single-center cross-sectional study from China. From December 2017 to November 2019, first-diagnosis and drug-naïve children with ASD were included. Same TP children who were matched with clinical groups by gender and age were included as the control group. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to determine serum concentrations of adiponectin. We recorded 176 children (88 were ASD and 88 were TP children) and 77.3% (n = 136) were boys and the mean age was 4.3 years (standard deviations [S.D.]: 1.2). The mean (S.D.) levels of adiponectin were 9.01(2.19) and 11.55(2.32) μg/ml for those with ASD and TP subjects. The difference between those two groups was significant (t = 7.169, p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between serum levels of adiponectin and Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS] score (r = -0.498, p < 0.001). At admission, 39 ASD (54.5%) had a minor autism (CARS<37). In these children, the mean (S.D.) adiponectin level was higher than that observed in children with moderate-to-severe clinical severity (10.09[2.32] vs.8.15[1.64] μg/ml, P < 0.001). This study shows that serum adiponectin. Levels are decreased in ASD when compared with in healthy children. The findings also indicate an inverse association between serum adiponectin levels and severity of symptoms in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Quan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jinping Yi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Shi
- Clinical Medicine Research Center, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjun Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Huang ZX, Chen Y, Guo HR, Chen GF. Systematic Review and Bioinformatic Analysis of microRNA Expression in Autism Spectrum Disorder Identifies Pathways Associated With Cancer, Metabolism, Cell Signaling, and Cell Adhesion. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:630876. [PMID: 34744804 PMCID: PMC8566729 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.630876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have identified differentially expressed microRNAs in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, results are discrepant. We aimed to systematically review this topic and perform bioinformatic analysis to identify genes and pathways associated with ASD miRNAs. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses, we searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and OVID databases to identify all studies comparing microRNA expressions between ASD persons and non-ASD controls on May 11, 2020. We obtained ASD miRNA targets validated by experimental assays from miRTarBase and performed pathway enrichment analysis using Metascape and DIANA-miRPath v3. 0. Results: Thirty-four studies were included in the systematic review. Among 285 altered miRNAs reported in these studies, 15 were consistently upregulated, 14 were consistently downregulated, and 39 were inconsistently dysregulated. The most frequently altered miRNAs including miR-23a-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-486-3p, and miR-451a. Subgroup analysis of tissues showed that miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-1277-3p, miR-21-3p, miR-106b-5p, and miR-451a were consistently upregulated in brain tissues, while miR-4742-3p was consistently downregulated; miR-23b-3p, miR-483-5p, and miR-23a-3p were consistently upregulated in blood samples, while miR-15a-5p, miR-193a-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-574-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-3135a, and miR-103a-3p were consistently downregulated; miR-7-5p was consistently upregulated in saliva, miR-23a-3p and miR-32-5p were consistently downregulated. The altered ASD miRNAs identified in at least two independent studies were validated to target many autism risk genes. TNRC6B, PTEN, AGO1, SKI, and SMAD4 were the most frequent targets, and miR-92a-3p had the most target autism risk genes. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that ASD miRNAs are significantly involved in pathways associated with cancer, metabolism (notably Steroid biosynthesis, Fatty acid metabolism, Fatty acid biosynthesis, Lysine degradation, Biotin metabolism), cell cycle, cell signaling (especially Hippo, FoxO, TGF-beta, p53, Thyroid hormone, and Estrogen signaling pathway), adherens junction, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, and Prion diseases. Conclusions: Altered miRNAs in ASD target autism risk genes and are involved in various ASD-related pathways, some of which are understudied and require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xiong Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanhui Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong-Ru Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guo-Feng Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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de Leão ERLP, de Souza DNC, de Moura LVB, da Silveira Júnior AM, Dos Santos ALG, Diniz DG, Diniz CWP, Sosthenes MCK. Lateral septum microglial changes and behavioral abnormalities of mice exposed to valproic acid during the prenatal period. J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 111:101875. [PMID: 33127448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Most animal model studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been performed in males, which may be a reflex of the 3-times higher prevalence in boys than in girls. For this reason, little is known about the mechanisms underlying disease progression in females, and nothing is known about potential associations between microglial changes in the lateral septum (LS) and adult female cognition. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in mice has been widely used as an experimental model of autism-like behaviors associated with cellular changes. However, no study has reported the influence of VPA exposure in utero and its consequences on limbic system-dependent tasks or the microglial response in the LS in adult female mice. We compared the exploratory activity and risk assessment in novel environments of BALB/c control mice to mice exposed in utero to VPA and estimated the total number of microglia in the LS using an optical fractionator. On day 12.5 of pregnancy, females received diluted VPA or saline by gavage. After weaning, VPA exposed or control pups were separately housed in standard laboratory cages. At 5 months of age, all mice underwent behavioral testing and their brain sections were immunolabelled using IBA-1 antibody. In the open field test, VPA group showed a greater distance traveled, which was accompanied by less immobility, less time spent on the periphery and a greater number, crossed lines. Similar findings were found in the elevated plus maze test, where VPA mice traveled greater distances, immobility was significantly higher than that of control and VPA group spent less time on the closed arms of apparatus. Stereological analysis demonstrated higher microglial total number and density in the LS of VPA mice, as the cell count was greater, but the volume was similar. Therefore, we suggest that an increase in microglia in the LS may be part of the cellular changes associated with behavioral dysfunction in the VPA model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Rose Leandro Ponce de Leão
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Dilza Nazaré Colares de Souza
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Larissa Victória Barra de Moura
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Antonio Morais da Silveira Júnior
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Alinne Lorrany Gomes Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guerreiro Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Wanderley Picanço Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcia Consentino Kronka Sosthenes
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Konečná B, Radošinská J, Keményová P, Repiská G. Detection of disease-associated microRNAs - application for autism spectrum disorders. Rev Neurosci 2020; 31:757-769. [PMID: 32813679 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) diagnostic procedure still lacks a uniform biological marker. This review gathers the information on microRNAs (miRNAs) specifically as a possible source of biomarkers of ASD. Extracellular vesicles, and their subset of exosomes, are believed to be a tool of cell-to-cell communication, and they are increasingly considered to be carriers of such a marker. The interest in studying miRNAs in extracellular vesicles grows in all fields of study and therefore should not be omitted in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The summary of miRNAs associated with brain cells and ASD either studied directly in the tissue or biofluids are gathered in this review. The heterogeneity in findings from different studies points out the fact that unified methods should be established, beginning with the determination of the accurate patient and control groups, through to sample collection, processing, and storage conditions. This review, based on the available literature, proposes the standardized approach to obtain the results that would not be affected by technical factors. Nowadays, the method of high-throughput sequencing seems to be the most optimal to analyze miRNAs. This should be followed by the uniformed bioinformatics procedure to avoid misvalidation. At the end, the proper validation of the obtained results is needed. With such an approach as is described in this review, it would be possible to obtain a reliable biomarker that would characterize the presence of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Konečná
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Radošinská
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute for Heart Research, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petra Keményová
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Repiská
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Li G, Guo X. LncRNA STARD13-AS blocks lung squamous carcinoma cells growth and movement by targeting miR-1248/C3A. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2020; 64:101949. [PMID: 32949706 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2020.101949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This research aims to illustrate the effect of lncRNA StAR Related Lipid Transfer Domain Containing 13 antisense RN (STARD13-AS)/miR-1248/C3A on lung squamous carcinoma cells growth and metastasis. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was applied to detect the expression of STARD13-AS/miR-1248/C3A in lung cancer samples and establish the ceRNA network. Transfection was performed to construct over-expression or knockdown models. PCR was implemented to examine the transfection efficiency. The biological function including growth, invasion and migration of LUSC cells were estimated by CCK-8 analysis, colony formation assay and transwell assay. Luciferase assay was executed to analyze the relationship between C3A and miR-1248, as well as miR-1248 and STARD13-AS. RESULTS By consulting the TCGA database and GEPIA website, we found that C3A expression was significantly reduced in LUSC samples. Additionally, we also discovered that miR-1248, which was a downstream target of STARD13-AS, was presented as an upstream regulator of C3A. Moreover, STARD13-AS was under expressed in LUSC cells and has a negative effect on LUSC cells growth ability. C3A expression was co-regulated by miR-1248 and STARD13-AS. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of C3A or the promoting effect of miR-1248 on LUSC cells growth, invasion and migration abilities can be regulated by STARD13-AS. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that overexpression of STARD13-AS restricted the growth and aggressiveness of LUSC cells via regulating miR-1248/C3A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guosen Li
- Queen Mary School of Medical College, Jiangxi Medical College, Qianhu Campus, Nanchang University, No. 1299 Xuefu Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Xiangyun Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jining Infectious Disease Hospital, Jiu Mi Gu Dui, Rencheng District, Jining, Shandong, China
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Wu X, Li W, Zheng Y. Recent Progress on Relevant microRNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165904. [PMID: 32824515 PMCID: PMC7460584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose pathogenesis is unclear and is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of single-stranded non-coding RNA with 20-22 nucleotides, which normally inhibit their target mRNAs at a post-transcriptional level. miRNAs are involved in almost all biological processes and are closely related to ASD and many other diseases. In this review, we summarize relevant miRNAs in ASD, and analyze dysregulated miRNAs in brain tissues and body fluids of ASD patients, which may contribute to the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ASD.
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Jyonouchi H, Geng L. Resolution of EEG findings and clinical improvement in a patient with encephalopathy and ESES with a combination of immunomodulating agents other than corticosteroids: A case report. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2020; 14:100379. [PMID: 32995738 PMCID: PMC7516208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2020.100379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalopathy with electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) syndrome is characterized by a near-continuous spike-and-wave discharges during sleep with marked developmental regression, mainly in speech, and the presence of clinical seizures. Although the etiology ofESES is generally unknown, its resistance to antiseizure medication (ASM), and favorable responses to oral corticosteroids (OCS), support a role for inflammation. However, the prolonged use of OCS results in undesirable side effects and alternative treatment measures are needed. Herein, we present a patient with ESES who revealed responsed to a combination of immunomodulating agents other than OCS. The patient revealed 30, 50, and 100%, reduction in the ESES pattern on EEG with the sequential addition of anakinra (interleukin-1ß inhibitor), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and sirolimus, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) respectively, after discontinuation of OCS due to side effects. This combination of immune-modulating agents, that were selected based on monocyte cytokine profiles, also resulted in a gradual improvement of speech and behavioral symptoms. This case indicates a possible use of immunomodulating agents other than OCS for ESES syndrome. ESES syndrome can be controlled immunomodulating agents. OCS was not requred for maintaing good control of ESES in the presented case. Monocyte cytokine profiles may be useful for the selection of immunomodulating agents for treatment of ESES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Jyonouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Peter's University Hospital (SPUH), New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Lee Geng
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Peter's University Hospital (SPUH), New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Qu H, Liu R, Chen J, Zheng L, Chen R. Aerobic Exercise Inhibits CUMS-Depressed Mice Hippocampal Inflammatory Response via Activating Hippocampal miR-223/TLR4/MyD88-NF-κB Pathway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082676. [PMID: 32295141 PMCID: PMC7216071 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the role of aerobic exercise in inhibiting chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depressed mice hippocampal inflammatory response and its potential mechanisms. Methods: Fifty-four male eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were divided as control group (CG) (18 mice) and model group (36 mice). Model group mice were treated with 13 chronic stimulating factors for 28 days to set up the CUMS depression model. Neurobehavioral assessment was performed after modeling. The mice in the model group were randomly divided into the control model group (MG) and the aerobic exercise group (EG), with 18mice in each group. The EG group carried out the adaptive training of the running platform: 10 m/min, 0° slope, and increased by 10 minutes per day for 6 days. The formal training was carried for 8 weeks with 10 m/min speed, 0° slope, 60 min/d, 6 d/Week. After the training, a neurobehavioral assessment was performed, and hippocampus IL-1β and IL-10 protein levels were detected by ELISA. RT–PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-223 and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR4 and phosphorylated NF-κBp65 protein in the hippocampus. Results: The hippocampus function of CUMS depression model mice was impaired. The forced swimming and forced tail suspension time were significantly prolonged, and inflammatory factors IL-1β were significantly increased in the hippocampus. Aerobic exercise significantly improves CUMS-depressed mice hippocampal function, effectively reducing depressive behavior and IL-1β levels, and increasing IL-10 levels. Besides, aerobic exercise significantly upregulates the expression level of miR-223 and inhibits the high expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise significantly increases the CUMS-depressed mice hippocampus expression of miR-223, and inhibits the downstream TLR4/MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway and the hippocampal inflammatory response, which contributes to the improvement of the hippocampal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Qu
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, China; (H.Q.); (R.L.)
| | - Ruilian Liu
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, China; (H.Q.); (R.L.)
| | - Jiaqin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise Rehabilitation of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410012, China; (L.Z.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise Rehabilitation of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410012, China; (L.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Rui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise Rehabilitation of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410012, China; (L.Z.); (R.C.)
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Differential regulation of Nrf2 is linked to elevated inflammation and nitrative stress in monocytes of children with autism. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 113:104554. [PMID: 31884317 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a very complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social and communication skills. Innate immune cells like monocytes are believed to play a cardinal role in neuroimmune inflammation and nitrative stress. On the other hand, Nrf2, a basic leucine zipper transcription factor plays a significant role in protecting the immune cells against inflammation and oxidants. However, its role in monocytes of ASD children and typically developing control (TDC) children has not been elucidated in relation with inflammation and nitrative stress. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate Nrf2 expression/activity along with parameters of inflammation (NFkB, IL-6, IL-1β) and nitrative stress (iNOS, nitrotyrosine) in monocytes of ASD/TDC children. Further, sulforaphane (SFN) was utilized as an Nrf2 activator to assess its effect on above said inflammatory and nitrative stress parameters. Our study shows that monocytes of ASD subjects have decreased Nrf2 expression/activity along with increased inflammation and nitrative stress. Further, monocytes from ASD have deficiency in induction of Nrf2 activity upon stimulation with LPS. However, activation of Nrf2 in vitro by SFN reverses LPS-induced effects on inflammation in monocytes by reduction in NFkB signaling. Further, treatment with SFN also reverses LPS-induced effects on nitrative stress (iNOS, nitrotyrosine) in monocytes of ASD subjects. This study propounds the idea that SFN protects against nitrative stress and inflammation by downregulating oxidative stress and inflammation through blockade of NFkB signaling in autistic children. This may be the reason behind reported ameliorative effects of SFN in ASD subjects.
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Jyonouchi H, Geng L. Associations between Monocyte and T Cell Cytokine Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effects of Dysregulated Innate Immune Responses on Adaptive Responses to Recall Antigens in a Subset of ASD Children. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194731. [PMID: 31554204 PMCID: PMC6801811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in monocyte cytokine production with toll like receptor (TLR) agonists in subjects with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were best reflected by the IL-1β/IL-10 ratios in our previous research. The IL-1β/IL-10 based subgrouping (low, normal, and high) of ASD samples revealed marked differences in microRNA expression, and mitochondrial respiration. However, it is unknown whether the IL-1β/IL-10 ratio based subgrouping is associated with changes in T cell cytokine profiles or monocyte cytokine profiles with non-TLR agonists. In ASD (n = 152) and non-ASD (n = 41) subjects, cytokine production by peripheral blood monocytes (PBMo) with TLR agonists and β-glucan, an inflammasome agonist, and T cell cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with recall antigens (Ags) (food and candida Ags) were concurrently measured. Changes in monocyte cytokine profiles were observed with β-glucan in the IL-1β/IL-10 ratio based ASD subgroups, along with changes in T cell cytokine production and ASD subgroup-specific correlations between T cell and monocyte cytokine production. Non-ASD controls revealed considerably less of such correlations. Altered innate immune responses in a subset of ASD children are not restricted to TLR pathways and correlated with changes in T cell cytokine production. Altered trained immunity may play a role in the above described changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Jyonouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Peter's University Hospital (SPUH), New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson medical school, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Lee Geng
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Peter's University Hospital (SPUH), New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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31
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Tonacci A, Bagnato G, Pandolfo G, Billeci L, Sansone F, Conte R, Gangemi S. MicroRNA Cross-Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Atopic Dermatitis: A Literature Review. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8010088. [PMID: 30646527 PMCID: PMC6352260 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a category of neurodevelopmental disturbances seriously affecting social skills, to which the scientific community has paid great attention in last decades. To date, their pathogenesis is still unknown, but several studies highlighted the relevance of gene-environment interactions in the onset of ASD. In addition, an immune involvement was seen in a wide number of ASD subjects, leading several researchers to hypothesize a possible common pathogenesis between ASD and immune disturbances, including Atopic Dermatitis (AD). In general, among potential contributing factors, microRNAs (miRNAs), small molecules capable of controlling gene expression and targeting mRNA transcripts, might represent one of the major circulating link, possibly unraveling the connections between neurodevelopmental and immune conditions. Under such premises, we conducted a systematic literature review, under the PRISMA guidelines, trying to define the panel of common miRNAs involved in both ASD and AD. The review retrieved articles published between January 1, 2005, and December 13, 2018, in PubMed, ScienceDirect, PsycARTICLES, and Google Scholar. We found a handful of works dealing with miRNAs in ASD and AD, with the most overlapping dysregulated miRNAs being miR-146 and miR-155. Two possible compounds are abnormally regulated in both ASD and AD subjects, possibly cross-contributing to the interactions between the two disorders, setting the basis to investigate more precisely the possible link between ASD and AD from another, not just clinical, perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tonacci
- Clinical Physiology Institute-National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Bagnato
- School and Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria SNC, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Pandolfo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Lucia Billeci
- Clinical Physiology Institute-National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesco Sansone
- Clinical Physiology Institute-National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Conte
- Clinical Physiology Institute-National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School and Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria SNC, 98125 Messina, Italy.
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32
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Jyonouchi H, Geng L, Rose S, Bennuri SC, Frye RE. Variations in Mitochondrial Respiration Differ in IL-1ß/IL-10 Ratio Based Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:71. [PMID: 30842746 PMCID: PMC6391925 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)7 is associated with multiple physiological abnormalities, including immune dysregulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, an association between these two commonly reported abnormalities in ASD has not been studied in depth. This study assessed the association between previously identified alterations in cytokine profiles by ASD peripheral blood monocytes (PBMo) and mitochondrial dysfunction. In 112 ASD and 38 non-ASD subjects, cytokine production was assessed by culturing purified PBMo overnight with stimuli of innate immunity. Parameters of mitochondrial respiration including proton-leak respiration (PLR), ATP-linked respiration (ALR), maximal respiratory capacity (MRC), and reserve capacity (RC) were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The ASD samples were analyzed by subgrouping them into high, normal, and low IL-1ß/IL-10 ratio groups, which was previously shown to be associated with changes in behaviors and PBMo miRNA expression. MRC, RC, and RC/PLR, a marker of electron transport chain (ETC) efficiency, were higher in ASD PBMCs than controls. The expected positive associations between PLR and ALR were found in control non-ASD PBMCs, but not in ASD PBMCs. Higher MRC, RC, RC/PLR in ASD PBMCs were secondary to higher levels of these parameters in the high and normal IL-1ß/IL-10 ratio ASD subgroups than controls. Associations between mitochondrial parameters and monocyte cytokine profiles differed markedly across the IL-1ß/IL-10 ratio based ASD subgroups, rendering such associations less evident when ASD samples as a whole were compared to non-ASD controls. Our results indicate for the first time, an association between PBMC mitochondrial function and PBMo cytokine profiles in ASD subjects. This relationship differs across the IL-1ß/IL-10 ratio based ASD subgroups. Changes in mitochondrial function are likely due to adaptive changes or mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting from chronic oxidative stress. These results may indicate alteration in molecular pathways affecting both the immune system and mitochondrial function in some ASD subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Jyonouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Lee Geng
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Shannon Rose
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas of Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Sirish C Bennuri
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas of Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Richard E Frye
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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33
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McCaulley ME. Autism spectrum disorder and mercury toxicity: use of genomic and epigenetic methods to solve the etiologic puzzle. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2019. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2019-010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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34
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Jyonouchi H, Geng L, Toruner GA, Rose S, Bennuri SC, Frye RE. Serum microRNAs in ASD: Association With Monocyte Cytokine Profiles and Mitochondrial Respiration. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:614. [PMID: 31551826 PMCID: PMC6748029 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous research has shown that purified peripheral blood monocytes (PRMo) from individuals who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and have innate immune abnormalities reveal altered interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)/IL-10 ratios. We also found, in separate studies, that microRNA (miRNA) expression in PBMo and mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) differed in the IL-1ß/IL-10-based ASD subgroups. This study explored whether serum miRNAs are associated with both altered innate immune responses and changes in mitochondrial respiration as a link of regulatory mechanisms for these two common abnormalities in ASD subjects. Serum miRNA levels were examined by high-throughput deep sequencing in ASD and non-ASD control sera with concurrent measurement of PBMo cytokine production and mitochondrial respiration by PBMCs. ASD samples were examined as a whole group and with respect to the previously defined IL-1ß/IL-10-based ASD subgroups (high, normal, and low groups). Serum miRNA levels differed between the overall ASD sera (N = 116) and non-ASD control sera (N = 35) and also differed across the IL-1ß/IL-10-based ASD subgroups. Specifically, miRNA levels were increased and decreased in eight and nine miRNAs, respectively, in the high-ratio ASD subgroup (N = 48). In contrast, the low- (N = 25) and normal- (N = 43) ratio ASD subgroups only showed decreased miRNAs levels (18 and 10 miRNAs, respectively). Gene targets of the altered miRNAs in the high and/or low IL-1β/IL-10 ratio ASD subgroups were enriched in pathways critical for monocyte functions and metabolic regulation. Gene targets of the altered miRNAs in all the ASD subgroups were enriched in pathways of neuronal development and synaptic plasticity, along with cell proliferation/differentiation. ASD subgroup-specific associations were observed between serum miRNA expression and IL-1ß/IL-10 ratios, mitochondrial respiration, and monocyte cytokine profiles (IL-10, CCL2, and TNF-α). In summary, our results indicate that serum levels of select miRNAs may serve as promising biomarkers for screening and monitoring changes in innate immunity and mitochondrial respiration in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Jyonouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Peter's University Hospital (SPUH), New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Lee Geng
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Peter's University Hospital (SPUH), New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Gokce A Toruner
- Clinical Cytogenetics, Department of Hematopathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Sirish C Bennuri
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Richard E Frye
- Department of Pediatrics, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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35
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Harville T, Rhodes-Clark B, Bennuri SC, Delhey L, Slattery J, Tippett M, Wynne R, Rose S, Kahler S, Frye RE. Inheritance of HLA-Cw7 Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:612. [PMID: 31572230 PMCID: PMC6749146 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00612] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined disorder that is now thought to affect approximately 1 in 69 children in the United States. In most cases, the etiology is unknown, but several studies point to the interaction of genetic predisposition with environmental factors. The immune system is thought to have a causative role in ASD, and specific studies have implicated T lymphocytes, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and certain cytokines. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is involved in the underlying process for shaping an individual's immune system, and specific HLA alleles are associated with specific diseases as risk factors. In this study, we determine whether a specific HLA allele was associated with ASD in a large cohort of patients with ASD. Identifying such an association could help in the identification of immune system components which may have a causative role in specific cohorts of patients with ASD who share similar specific clinical features. Specimens from 143 patients with ASD were analyzed with respect to race and ethnicity. Overall, HLA-Cw7 was present in a much greater frequency than expected in individuals with ASD as compared to the general population. Further, the cohort of patients who express HLA-Cw7 shares specific immune system/inflammatory clinical features including being more likely to have allergies, food intolerances, and chronic sinusitis as compared to those with ASD who did not express HLA-Cw7. HLA-Cw7 has a role in stimulating NK cells. Thus, this finding may indicate that chronic over-activation of NK cells may have a role in the manifestation of ASD in a cohort of patients with increased immune system/inflammatory features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Harville
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Bobbie Rhodes-Clark
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Sirish C Bennuri
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Leanna Delhey
- School of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - John Slattery
- BioRosa Technologies Inc, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marie Tippett
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Rebecca Wynne
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Stephen Kahler
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Richard E Frye
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Yavropoulou MP, Poulios C, Michalopoulos N, Gatzou A, Chrisafi S, Mantalovas S, Papavramidis T, Daskalaki E, Sofou E, Kotsa K, Kesisoglou I, Zebekakis P, Yovos JG. A Role for Circular Non-Coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Sporadic Parathyroid Adenomas and the Impact of Gender-Specific Epigenetic Regulation. Cells 2018; 8:cells8010015. [PMID: 30598042 PMCID: PMC6356744 DOI: 10.3390/cells8010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes, including altered small non-coding RNAs, appear to be implicated in the pathogenesis of sporadic parathyroid adenomas (PAs). In this study, we investigated the circular RNAs (circRNAs) expression profile in sporadic PAs. Sixteen tissue samples of sporadic PAs, and four samples of normal parathyroid tissue (NPT) were investigated. Sample preparation and microarray hybridization were performed based on the Arraystar’s standard protocols, and circRNAs sequences were predicted by bioinformatics tools. We identified 35 circRNAs that were differentially expressed in sporadic PAs compared to NPT; 22 were upregulated, and 13 were downregulated, according to the pre-defined thresholds of fold-change > 2.0 and p< 0.05. In the subgroup analysis of PAs from male patients (n = 7) compared to PAs from female patients (n = 9), we also find a different expression profile. In particular, 19 circRNAs were significantly upregulated, and four circRNAs were significantly downregulated in male patients, compared to female counterparts. We show here for the first time a differential circRNA expression pattern in sporadic PAs compared to NPT, and a different expression profile in PA samples from male compared to female patients, suggesting an epigenetic role in the PA pathogenesis, and also an effect of gender in the epigenetic regulation of PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Yavropoulou
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece.
- Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Christos Poulios
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Nickos Michalopoulos
- 3rd Department of Surgery, AHEPA Univ. Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Ariadni Gatzou
- Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Sofia Chrisafi
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Stylianos Mantalovas
- 3rd Department of Surgery, AHEPA Univ. Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Theodosis Papavramidis
- 1st Department of Surgery, AHEPA Univ. Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Emily Daskalaki
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Electra Sofou
- Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Kalliopi Kotsa
- Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Isaak Kesisoglou
- 3rd Department of Surgery, AHEPA Univ. Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Pantelis Zebekakis
- Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - John G Yovos
- Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
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Cawthorpe D. A 16-Year Cohort Analysis of Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Morbidity in a Pediatric Population. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:635. [PMID: 30555361 PMCID: PMC6281889 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This chapter presents the analysis of physician-diagnosed International Classification of Diseases (ICD version 9) disorders and diseases associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in a 16-year pediatric cohort. Materials and Methods: The sample (n = 47,180; 62% male) consisted of children in the Alberta Health Services Calgary Health Region catchment under the age of 3 years, who received any physician-assigned ICD 9 diagnosis before the age of three between April 1993 and December 31, 1994. There were 111 females and 609 males with ASD diagnosed at any time between 1993 and 2010. The results detail the 16-year odds ratio (OR) associations of ASD diagnosis within the major classes of international classification of diseases (ICD 9) stratified by age and sex in the cohort. Further, for those suffering from ASD and any other disorder or disease, the analysis presents by sex, age, and duration, the proportions of all index physician-assigned ICD diagnoses, arising significantly before and after the index ASD diagnosis. Results: The rate of treated ASD in the cohort was 1 in 65 and the 16-year population rate of ASD was 62 per 10,000. For males with an ASD over the 16 year period, the ORs were significantly greater than the value one for 15 of the 17 main ICD classes and for 10 of the main ICD classes for females. Different age strata presented a more specific account of the main ICD class OR profiles. More specifically, 28 ICD disorders significantly preceded and 95 ICD disorders significantly followed ASD for females. Thirty-eight ICD disorders significantly preceded and 234 ICD disorders significantly followed ASD for males. Conclusions: The results largely confirm past studies focusing on more constrained sets of ASD morbidity. The age-stratified ORs gauge the order of risk in time for the cohort. The proportions of specific ICD disorders arising before and after ASD may be useful in respect to informing basic ASD research and ASD clinical management. Limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cawthorpe
- Cumming School of Medicine, Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences, Institute for Child and Maternal Health, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Abstract
Background Pioglitazone is a promising compound for treatment of core autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms as it targets multiple relevant pathways, including immune system alterations. Objective This pilot study aimed to elucidate the maximum tolerated dose, safety, preliminary evidence of efficacy, and appropriate outcome measures in autistic children ages 5–12 years old. Methods We conducted a 16-week prospective cohort, single blind, single arm, 2-week placebo run-in, dose-finding study of pioglitazone. Twenty-five participants completed treatment. A modified dose finding method was used to determine safety and dose response among three dose levels: 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.75 mg/kg once daily. Results Maximum tolerated dose: there were no serious adverse events (SAEs) and as such the maximum tolerated dose within the range tested was 0.75 mg/Kg once daily. Safety: overall, pioglitazone was well tolerated. Two participants discontinued intervention due to perceived non-efficacy and one due to the inability to tolerate interim blood work. Three participants experienced mild neutropenia. Early evidence of efficacy: statistically significant improvement was observed in social withdrawal, repetitive behaviors, and externalizing behaviors as measured by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Child Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS), and Repetitive Behavior Scale–Revised (RBS-R). Forty-six percent of those enrolled were deemed to be global responders. Conclusions and relevance Pioglitazone is well-tolerated and shows a potential signal in measures of social withdrawal, repetitive, and externalizing behaviors. Randomized controlled trials using the confirmed dose are warranted. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01205282. Registration date: September 20, 2010. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-018-0241-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ashwood P. Differential T Cell Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-II in Children With Autism. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:543. [PMID: 30524316 PMCID: PMC6256095 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairments in verbal and non-verbal communication, in social interactions, and often accompanied by stereotypical interests and behaviors. A role for immune dysfunction has long been implicated in ASD pathophysiology, behavioral severity, and co-morbidities. The pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) has been associated with ASD in some studies but little is known about its receptors. There are two receptors for TNFα, with TNFRI relaying many of the signals from TNFα, especially those that are rapid, whilst TNFRII relays later more long-term effects of TNFα. Proteolytic cleavage can lead to the soluble versions of these receptors which can neutralize the effects of TNFα. Here, we determined levels of TNFα and its receptors in 36 children with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD and 27 confirmed typically developing (TD) controls, 2-5 years-of-age. Children with ASD had higher levels of TNFRII on T cells compared to controls following cell stimulation. Levels of sTNFRII were decreased in cell supernatants following stimulation in ASD. Overall these data corroborate the role of inflammatory events in ASD and align with previous studies that have shown differential changes in cellular adaptive immunity in children with ASD. Future longitudinal analyzes of cellular immune function and downstream signaling from immune receptors will help further delineate the role of inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
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