Molecular Mechanisms of Aberrant Neuroplasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Review)

Prenatal Exposure To Valproic Acid Induces Increased Autism-Like Behaviors and Impairment of Learning and Memory Functions in Rat Offspring by Upregulating ADAM10 Expression

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a complex neurodevelopmental pathogenesis. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) plays a crucial role in embryonic brain development and neural network stability. This study aimed to investigate the influence of ADAM10 on excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance, autism-like behaviors, and learning and memory dysfunction in rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) and determine potential intervention strategies. The VPA-exposed group exhibited increased levels of ADAM10 and secreted amyloid precursor protein-α (sAPPα). Moreover, overexpression of glutamate decarboxylase 1 and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors was observed. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed elevated levels of glutamate, glutamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid, as well as an E/I imbalance in the VPA group. Additionally, narrower synaptic clefts as well as increased postsynaptic density and synaptic vesicles were observed. Remarkably, intraperitoneal administration of ADAM10 inhibitor during the critical period of synaptic development significantly improved ASD-like behavior and learning and memory function in VPA-exposed rats. This intervention effectively reduced abnormally high sAPPα levels in the prefrontal cortex and corrected abnormal E/I balance. Thus, inhibiting ADAM10 overexpression may improve the E/I imbalance, alleviate core symptoms of ASD, and improve learning and memory dysfunction. The use of ADAM10 inhibitor represents a potential therapeutic strategy for treating ASD patients with intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Willingness of Caregivers of Preterm Infants Toward Autism: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

To examine the knowledge, attitudes and willingness of caregivers of preterm infants toward autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2022 at the Hospital and enrolled the caregivers of preterm infants. The final questionnaire, developed by the authors, included four dimensions: demographic data, knowledge (16 items), attitudes (10 items) and willingness (seven items).

RESULTS

This study included 702 participants (77.21% females). The average knowledge, attitude and willingness scores were 7.75 ± 3.47 (total: 16), 38.54 ± 4.38 (total: 50) and 31.38 ± 3.95 (total: 35), respectively. Female (OR = 1.945, 95% CI: 1.182-2.797, p = 0.003), college or bachelor's (OR = 4.429, 95% CI: 1.525-9.788, p = 0.006), master or above (OR = 3.864, 95% CI: 1.194-12.500, p = 0.024) and stable work (OR = 2.098, 95% CI: 1.421-3.098, p < 0.001) were independently associated with sufficient knowledge. Age 30-34 (OR = 0.639, 95% CI: 0.423-0.695, p = 0.033), age ≥ 35 (OR = 0.517, 95% CI: 0.334-0.802, p = 0.003) and urban residency (OR = 1.697, 95% CI: 1.118-2.576, p = 0.013) were independently associated with favourable attitudes. The knowledge scores (OR = 1.100, 95% CI: 1.041-1.162, p = 0.001), attitude scores (OR = 1.212, 95% CI: 1.158-1.690, p < 0.001) and a monthly income of 10,000-20,000 RMB (OR = 2.125, 95% CI: 1.208-3.736, p = 0.009) were independently associated with the positive willingness.

CONCLUSIONS

This study observed poor knowledge but favourable attitudes and willingness toward ASD among caregivers of preterm infants. More attention should be paid to the education of caregivers to improve the knowledge of autism in the families of premature infants.

Gender differences in plasma glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor levels of patients with bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has an important role in neurons and is closely associated with psychiatric disorders. The development of bipolar disorder (BD) may differ between genders. Existing studies have shown that plasma GDNF levels are altered in patients with BD. In this study, we investigate whether the GDNF levels in patients with BD differ in terms of gender.

METHODS

Participants were divided into the BD group (n = 76, with 26 males and 50 females) and healthy control (HC) group (n = 89, with 35 males and 54 females). Plasma GDNF levels were detected via multifactor assay. Clinical symptoms of patients with BD were collected and assessed using the Hamilton Depression-17 Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety-17 Inventory, Young's Mania Rating Scale, and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

RESULTS

The GDNF levels were significantly higher in all participants in the HC group (F = 4.262, p < 0.05) compared with those in the BD group. In the HC group, the males (t = 4.814, p < 0.001) presented significantly higher levels than the females. The plasma GDNF levels in males in the BD group (t = 3.022, p < 0.05) were significantly lower than those in males in the HC group.

CONCLUSION

Differences in plasma GDNF levels are associated with the gender of patients with BD.