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Vreeland A, Calaprice D, Or-Geva N, Frye RE, Agalliu D, Lachman HM, Pittenger C, Pallanti S, Williams K, Ma M, Thienemann M, Gagliano A, Mellins E, Frankovich J. Postinfectious Inflammation, Autoimmunity, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Sydenham Chorea, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infection, and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disorder. Dev Neurosci 2023; 45:361-374. [PMID: 37742615 DOI: 10.1159/000534261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Postinfectious neuroinflammation has been implicated in multiple models of acute-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder including Sydenham chorea (SC), pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS). These conditions are associated with a range of autoantibodies which are thought to be triggered by infections, most notably group A streptococci (GAS). Based on animal models using huma sera, these autoantibodies are thought to cross-react with neural antigens in the basal ganglia and modulate neuronal activity and behavior. As is true for many childhood neuroinflammatory diseases and rheumatological diseases, SC, PANS, and PANDAS lack clinically available, rigorous diagnostic biomarkers and randomized clinical trials. In this review article, we outline the accumulating evidence supporting the role neuroinflammation plays in these disorders. We describe work with animal models including patient-derived anti-neuronal autoantibodies, and we outline imaging studies that show alterations in the basal ganglia. In addition, we present research on metabolites, which are helpful in deciphering functional phenotypes, and on the implication of sleep in these disorders. Finally, we encourage future researchers to collaborate across medical specialties (e.g., pediatrics, psychiatry, rheumatology, immunology, and infectious disease) in order to further research on clinical syndromes presenting with neuropsychiatric manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Vreeland
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development, Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Stanford Children's Health, PANS Clinic and Research Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - Noga Or-Geva
- Interdepartmental Program in Immunology, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Richard E Frye
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Dritan Agalliu
- Department of Neurology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Herbert M Lachman
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medicine, Genetics, and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Christopher Pittenger
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, Child Study Center and Center for Brain and Mind Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Kyle Williams
- Department of Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meiqian Ma
- Stanford Children's Health, PANS Clinic and Research Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Margo Thienemann
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development, Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Stanford Children's Health, PANS Clinic and Research Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Pediatric Department of Policlinico G. Matino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Mellins
- Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Frankovich
- Stanford Children's Health, PANS Clinic and Research Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Kolvatzis C, Tsakiridis I, Kalogiannidis IA, Tsakoumaki F, Kyrkou C, Dagklis T, Daniilidis A, Michaelidou AM, Athanasiadis A. Utilizing Amniotic Fluid Metabolomics to Monitor Fetal Well-Being: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Cureus 2023; 15:e36986. [PMID: 37139280 PMCID: PMC10150141 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal and perinatal periods are critical phases for long-term development. Early diagnosis of maternal complications is challenging due to the great complexity of these conditions. In recent years, amniotic fluid has risen in a prominent position in the latest efforts to describe and characterize prenatal development. Amniotic fluid may provide real-time information on fetal development and metabolism throughout pregnancy as substances from the placenta, fetal skin, lungs, gastric fluid, and urine are transferred between the mother and the fetus. Applying metabolomics to monitor fetal well-being, in such a context, could help in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions and is a promising area of research. This review shines a spotlight on recent amniotic fluid metabolomics studies and their methods as an interesting tool for the assessment of many conditions and the identification of biomarkers. Platforms in use, such as proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), have different merits, and a combinatorial approach could be valuable. Metabolomics may also be used in the quest for habitual diet-induced metabolic signals in amniotic fluid. Finally, analysis of amniotic fluid can provide information on exposure to exogenous substances by detecting the exact levels of metabolites carried to the fetus and associated metabolic effects.
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Kinderlehrer DA. The Effectiveness of Microdosed Psilocybin in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease: A Case Study. Int Med Case Rep J 2023; 16:109-115. [PMID: 36896410 PMCID: PMC9990519 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s395342] [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: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease can result in severe neuropsychiatric symptoms that may be resistant to treatment. The pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric Lyme disease is associated with autoimmune induced neuroinflammation. This case report describes an immunocompetent male with serologically positive neuropsychiatric Lyme disease who did not tolerate antimicrobial or psychotropic medications and whose symptoms remitted when he began psilocybin in microdosed (sub-hallucinogenic) amounts. A literature review of its therapeutic benefits reveals that psilocybin is both serotonergic and anti-inflammatory and therefore may offer significant therapeutic benefits to patients with mental illness secondary to autoimmune inflammation. The role of microdosed psilocybin in the treatment of neuropsychiatric Lyme disease and autoimmune encephalopathies warrants further study.
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Gagliano A, Murgia F, Capodiferro AM, Tanca MG, Hendren A, Falqui SG, Aresti M, Comini M, Carucci S, Cocco E, Lorefice L, Roccella M, Vetri L, Sotgiu S, Zuddas A, Atzori L. 1H-NMR-Based Metabolomics in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6493. [PMID: 36362721 PMCID: PMC9658067 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently described a unique plasma metabolite profile in subjects with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), suggesting pathogenic models involving specific patterns of neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Here, we extend the analysis to a group of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as a consensus has recently emerged around its immune-mediated pathophysiology with a widespread involvement of brain networks. This observational case-control study enrolled patients referred for PANS and ASD from June 2019 to May 2020, as well as neurotypical age and gender-matched control subjects. Thirty-four PANS outpatients, fifteen ASD outpatients, and twenty-five neurotypical subjects underwent physical and neuropsychiatric evaluations, alongside serum metabolomic analysis with 1H-NMR. In supervised models, the metabolomic profile of ASD was significantly different from controls (p = 0.0001), with skewed concentrations of asparagine, aspartate, betaine, glycine, lactate, glucose, and pyruvate. Metabolomic separation was also observed between PANS and ASD subjects (p = 0.02), with differences in the concentrations of arginine, aspartate, betaine, choline, creatine phosphate, glycine, pyruvate, and tryptophan. We confirmed a unique serum metabolomic profile of PANS compared with both ASD and neurotypical subjects, distinguishing PANS as a pathophysiological entity per se. Tryptophan and glycine appear as neuroinflammatory fingerprints of PANS and ASD, respectively. In particular, a reduction in glycine would primarily affect NMDA-R excitatory tone, overall impairing downstream glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic transmissions. Nonetheless, we found metabolomic similarities between PANS and ASD that suggest a putative role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) dysfunction in both disorders. Metabolomics-based approaches could contribute to the identification of novel ASD and PANS biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Gagliano
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Health Science, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Agata Maria Capodiferro
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello Giuseppe Tanca
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aran Hendren
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Stella Giulia Falqui
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Aresti
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Comini
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Carucci
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Regional Center, ASSL Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Regional Center, ASSL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Vetri
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Farmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zuddas
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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Andersson P, Wachtel LE, Lundberg J, Jamshidi E, Bring J, Rask-Andersen M, Jarbin H, Jokinen J, Desai Boström AE. Youth with severe mental illness and complex non-somatic motor abnormalities: conflicting conceptualizations and unequal treatment. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 1:13. [PMID: 37521496 PMCID: PMC9533273 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-022-00013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Two emerging diagnostic concepts promote distinct treatments for youth with acute-onset motor abnormalities and severe concurrent psychiatric symptoms: Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric catatonia. Both have institutional approval in parts of Europe and in the USA, meriting an unconditional comparison of supporting evidence. Here we report results of qualitative and quantitative analyses of literature and Swedish National Registry Data suggesting that (1) catatonic patients are liable to fulfilling diagnostic criteria for PANS, (2) three conservatively assessed PANS case-reports present with possible unrecognized catatonia, (3) lithium and electroconvulsive therapy usage frequencies in Swedish minors (exclusively recommended for severe mental illness) are strongly intercorrelated and unequally distributed across Swedish counties, (4) established severe mental disorders are rarely overtly considered amongst PANS-specific research and (5) best-available evidence treatments appear markedly superior for pediatric catatonia compared to PANS in both childhood and adolescence. Prioritizing treatments for pediatric catatonia in concerned subjects could markedly improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Lee E. Wachtel
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Johan Lundberg
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Esmail Jamshidi
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Mathias Rask-Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Håkan Jarbin
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Jussi Jokinen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Adrian E. Desai Boström
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health/Neuropediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Piras C, Neri I, Pintus R, Noto A, Petrella E, Monari F, Dessì A, Fanos V, Atzori L, Facchinetti F. First trimester metabolomics 1H-NMR study of the urinary profile predicts gestational diabetes mellitus development in obese women. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:8275-8283. [PMID: 34530691 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1970133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Thus, we aim to identify changes in the urinary metabolomics profile of obese women at first trimester of pregnancy in order to predict later GDM diagnosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this nested case-control study, urine samples collected in the first trimester of pregnancy obtained from obese women who developed GDM (n = 29) and obese women who did not develop diabetes (n = 25 NO GDM) were analyzed with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis. GDM diagnosis was obtained with one-step oral glucose load. RESULTS OPLS-DA significantly separated the GDM women from NO GDM women. Specifically, GDM women were characterized by a higher level of tryptophan, trigonelline, hippurate, and threonine, and lower levels of 1-methylnicotinamide, 3-hydroxykynurenine, glycocholate, isoleucine, kynurenine, and valine compared to NO GDM women. CONCLUSION In a prevalently Caucasian population, the changes of some metabolites such as tryptophan, trigonelline, and branch-chained amino acids in the urinary profile of obese women in the first trimester are able to make unequivocal prediction of those which later test positive for GDM. This approach could be useful to diagnose much earlier obese women with GDM allowing lifestyle counselling and other interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Isabella Neri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Pintus
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Antonio Noto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Petrella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Monari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Angelica Dessì
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Fabio Facchinetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Urinary Metabolites Reveal Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11070437. [PMID: 34357331 PMCID: PMC8307496 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11070437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not a minor issue. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA) is the most used index of IR (Insulin Resistance), validated in overweight and obese patients but not in normal-weight PCOS subjects, who can still present with increased insulin secretion by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The evaluation of insulin secretion and resistance represents a still unresolved problem. The aim of this study is to identify a possible yet noninvasive method to properly evaluate the insulin metabolism in young non-diabetic subjects. Girls aged 14–22 years, afferent to the center of Gynecological Diseases in Childhood and Adolescence of Cagliari (Italy), were screened for PCOS. A total of 42 subjects comprised the study group. Hormonal assays, OGTT, transabdominal (TA) or transvaginal (TV) US, and urine collection for 1H-NMR analysis were assayed in the early follicular phase. A 1H-NMR coupled multivariate statistical analysis was performed. The OPLS model indicated that the NMR profile of urine had a good fit and prediction ability for the AUC OGTT with R2 = 0.813. Metabolomics can be a promising tool to the potential identification of biomarkers of an exaggerated insulin response to OGTT and can encourage substantial progress for a more accurate and early diagnosis in PCOS.
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Murgia F, Gagliano A, Tanca MG, Or-Geva N, Hendren A, Carucci S, Pintor M, Cera F, Cossu F, Sotgiu S, Atzori L, Zuddas A. Metabolomic Characterization of Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). Front Neurosci 2021; 15:645267. [PMID: 34121984 PMCID: PMC8194687 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.645267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction PANS is a controversial clinical entity, consisting of a complex constellation of psychiatric symptoms, adventitious changes, and expression of various serological alterations, likely sustained by an autoimmune/inflammatory disease. Detection of novel biomarkers of PANS is highly desirable for both diagnostic and therapeutic management of affected patients. Analysis of metabolites has proven useful in detecting biomarkers for other neuroimmune-psychiatric diseases. Here, we utilize the metabolomics approach to determine whether it is possible to define a specific metabolic pattern in patients affected by PANS compared to healthy subjects. Design This observational case-control study tested consecutive patients referred for PANS between June 2019 to May 2020. A PANS diagnosis was confirmed according to the PANS working criteria (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2010). Healthy age and sex-matched subjects were recruited as controls. Methods Thirty-four outpatients referred for PANS (mean age 9.5 years; SD 2.9, 71% male) and 25 neurotypical subjects matched for age and gender, were subjected to metabolite analysis. Serum samples were obtained from each participant and were analyzed using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Subsequently, multivariate and univariate statistical analyses and Receiver Operator Curves (ROC) were performed. Results Separation of the samples, in line with the presence of PANS diagnosis, was observed by applying a supervised model (R2X = 0.44, R2Y = 0.54, Q2 = 0.44, p-value < 0.0001). The significantly altered variables were 2-Hydroxybutyrate, glycine, glutamine, histidine, tryptophan. Pathway analysis indicated that phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism, as well as glutamine and glutamate metabolism, exhibited the largest deviations from neurotypical controls. Conclusion We found a unique plasma metabolic profile in PANS patients, significantly differing from that of healthy children, that suggests the involvement of specific patterns of neurotransmission (tryptophan, glycine, histamine/histidine) as well as a more general state of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (glutamine, 2-Hydroxybutyrate, and tryptophan-kynurenine pathway) in the disorder. This metabolomics study offers new insights into biological mechanisms underpinning the disorder and supports research of other potential biomarkers implicated in PANS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, "A. Cao" Peditric Hosptal, "G. Brotzu" Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello G Tanca
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Noga Or-Geva
- Interdepartmental Program in Immunology, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Aran Hendren
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Carucci
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, "A. Cao" Peditric Hosptal, "G. Brotzu" Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Manuela Pintor
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, "A. Cao" Peditric Hosptal, "G. Brotzu" Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Cera
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fausto Cossu
- Paediatric Clinic, "A. Cao" Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zuddas
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, "A. Cao" Peditric Hosptal, "G. Brotzu" Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy
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Kinderlehrer DA. Anorexia Nervosa Caused by Polymicrobial Tick-Borne Infections: A Case Study. Int Med Case Rep J 2021; 14:279-287. [PMID: 34007219 PMCID: PMC8121620 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s311516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) is multifactorial, and infections may play a contributory and possibly a prominent role. A case is presented which is indicative of a causal association between tick-borne infections and AN. This adolescent female was diagnosed with AN at an eating disorder clinic after excessive food restriction and an irrational fear of weight gain necessitating nasogastric tube feeding. Her history was consistent with systemic infections and she tested serologically positive to Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia microti, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae; in addition, her clinical presentation was consistent with a Bartonella infection. After treatment with oral and intravenous antimicrobials, she stopped food restriction and no longer had body image concerns. Physicians should be aware of the possibility that tick-borne infections could underly a diagnosis of AN. The role of tick-borne infections in the etiology of AN warrants further study.
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Metabolomics and psychological features in fibromyalgia and electromagnetic sensitivity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20418. [PMID: 33235303 PMCID: PMC7686375 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76876-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) as Fibromyalgia and Electromagnetic Sensitivity (IEI-EMF) are a chronic and systemic syndrome. The main symptom is represented by strong and widespread pain in the musculoskeletal system. The exact causes that lead to the development of FM and IEI-EMF are still unknown. Interestingly, the proximity to electrical and electromagnetic devices seems to trigger and/or amplify the symptoms. We investigated the blood plasma metabolome in IEI-EMF and healthy subjects using 1H NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. All the individuals were subjected to tests for the evaluation of psychological and physical features. No significant differences between IEI-EMF and controls relative to personality aspects, Locus of Control, and anxiety were found. Multivariate statistical analysis on the metabolites identified by NMR analysis allowed the identification of a distinct metabolic profile between IEI-EMF and healthy subjects. IEI-EMF were characterized by higher levels of glycine and pyroglutamate, and lower levels of 2-hydroxyisocaproate, choline, glutamine, and isoleucine compared to healthy subjects. These metabolites are involved in several metabolic pathways mainly related to oxidative stress defense, pain mechanisms, and muscle metabolism. The results here obtained highlight possible physiopathological mechanisms in IEI-EMF patients to be better defined.
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11
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Urinary 1H-NMR Metabolic Signature in Subjects Undergoing Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Diagnosis. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10165401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Metabolomics represents a promising non-invasive approach that can be applied to identify biochemical changes in colorectal cancer patients (CRC) and is potentially useful for diagnosis and follow-up. Despite the literature regarding metabolomics CRC-specific profiles, discrimination between metabolic changes specifically related to CRC and intra-individual variability is still a problem to be solved. This was a preliminary case-control study, in which 1H-NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis was used to profile urine metabolites in subjects undergoing colonoscopy for colon cancer diagnosis. To reduce intra-individual variability, metabolic profiles were evaluated in participants’ urine samples, collected just before the colonoscopy and after a short-term dietary regimen required for the endoscopy procedure. Data obtained highlighted different urinary metabolic profiles between CRC and unaffected subjects (C). The metabolites altered in the CRC urine (acetoacetate, creatine, creatinine, histamine, phenylacetylglycine, and tryptophan) significantly correlated with colon cancer and discriminated with accuracy CRC patients from C patients (receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.875; 95% CI: 0.667–1). These results confirm that urinary metabolomic analysis can be a valid tool to improve CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy, representing a noninvasive approach that could precede more invasive tests.
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Abstract
In the last years, 'omics' technologies, and especially metabolomics, emerged as expanding scientific disciplines and promising technologies in the characterization of several pathophysiological processes.In detail, metabolomics, able to detect in a dynamic way the whole set of molecules of low molecular weight in cells, tissues, organs, and biological fluids, can provide a detailed phenotypic portray, representing a metabolic "snapshot."Thanks to its numerous strength points, metabolomics could become a fundamental tool in human health, allowing the exact evaluation of individual metabolic responses to pathophysiological stimuli including drugs, environmental changes, lifestyle, a great number of diseases and other epigenetics factors.Moreover, if current metabolomics data will be confirmed on larger samples, such technology could become useful in the early diagnosis of diseases, maybe even before the clinical onset, allowing a clinical monitoring of disease progression and helping in performing the best therapeutic approach, potentially predicting the therapy response and avoiding overtreatments. Moreover, the application of metabolomics in nutrition could provide significant information on the best nutrition regimen, optimal infantile growth and even in the characterization and improvement of commercial products' composition.These are only some of the fields in which metabolomics was applied, in the perspective of a precision-based, personalized care of human health.In this review, we discuss the available literature on such topic and provide some evidence regarding clinical application of metabolomics in heart diseases, auditory disturbance, nephrouropathies, adult and pediatric cancer, obstetrics, perinatal conditions like asphyxia, neonatal nutrition, neonatal sepsis and even some neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism.Our research group has been interested in metabolomics since several years, performing a wide spectrum of experimental and clinical studies, including the first metabolomics analysis of human breast milk. In the future, it is reasonable to predict that the current knowledge could be applied in daily clinical practice, and that sensible metabolomics biomarkers could be easily detected through cheap and accurate sticks, evaluating biofluids at the patient's bed, improving diagnosis, management and prognosis of sick patients and allowing a personalized medicine. A dream? May be I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Bardanzellu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4,500, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4,500, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
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Bardanzellu F, Piras C, Atzei A, Neroni P, Fanos V. Early Urinary Metabolomics in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Anticipates the Fate: Preliminary Data. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:613749. [PMID: 33409262 PMCID: PMC7779766 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.613749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In premature neonates, the persistence of hemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) can be associated with short- and long-term consequences, impairing their outcome. The correct strategy of management for such condition is under debate, especially regarding contraindications and/or side effects. In recent years, metabolomics was applied to several perinatal, pediatric, and adult conditions to investigate potential biomarkers of disease, which have become useful for early diagnosis and/or therapeutic management. Aim of the Study: The main purpose of our exploratory study was to asses, through 1H-NMR metabolomics analysis of urinary samples at birth, possible metabolic pathways differentiating, with a significant predictive power, those preterm neonates who will subsequently develop hsPDA and neonates of comparable gestational age (GA) who will undergo spontaneous ductal closure or the persistence of an irrelevant PDA (no-hsPDA). Moreover, we investigated potential prenatal or perinatal clinical factors potentially influencing the development of hsPDA. Materials and Methods: We enrolled n = 35 preterm neonates with GA between 24 and 32 weeks; urinary samples were collected within the first 12 h of life. Patients were closely monitored regarding intensive care, respiratory support, fluid balance and administered drugs; an echocardiogram was performed at 48-72 h. Results: Our results reported a significant correlation between lower GA at birth and the development of hsPDA. Moreover, neonates with GA ≤ 30w developing hsPDA were characterized by lower Apgar scores at 1' and 5', higher rates of perinatal asphyxia, higher need of delivery room resuscitation and subsequent surfactant administration. Interestingly, metabolomics analysis at birth detected a clear separation between the 1H-NMR urinary spectra of subjects GA ≤ 30w not developing hsPDA (n = 19) and those of subjects born at GA ≤ 30w in which hsPDA was confirmed at 48-72 h of life (n = 5). Conclusions: This is the first study applying metabolomics to investigate the PDA condition. Although preliminary and conducted on a limited sample, our results reveal that metabolomics could be a promising tool in the early identification of hsPDA, potentially superior to the clinical or laboratory predictive tools explored to date and even to the clinical observations and correlations in our sample, through the detection of specific urinary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Bardanzellu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Atzei
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Neroni
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Henderson TA, van Lierop MJ, McLean M, Uszler JM, Thornton JF, Siow YH, Pavel DG, Cardaci J, Cohen P. Functional Neuroimaging in Psychiatry-Aiding in Diagnosis and Guiding Treatment. What the American Psychiatric Association Does Not Know. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:276. [PMID: 32351416 PMCID: PMC7176045 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While early efforts in psychiatry were focused on uncovering the neurobiological basis of psychiatric symptoms, they made little progress due to limited ability to observe the living brain. Today, we know a great deal about the workings of the brain; yet, none of this neurobiological awareness has translated into the practice of psychiatry. The categorical system which dominates psychiatric diagnosis and thinking fails to match up to the real world of genetics, sophisticated psychological testing, and neuroimaging. Nevertheless, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recently published a position paper stating that neuroimaging provided no benefit to the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Using the diagnosis of depression as a model, we illustrate how setting aside the unrealistic expectation of a pathognomonic "fingerprint" for categorical diagnoses, we can avoid missing the biological and, therefore, treatable contributors to psychopathology which can and are visualized using functional neuroimaging. Infection, toxicity, inflammation, gut-brain dysregulation, and traumatic brain injury can all induce psychiatric manifestations which masquerade as depression and other psychiatric disorders. We review these and provide illustrative clinical examples. We further describe situations for which single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) functional neuroimaging already meet or exceed the criteria set forth by the APA to define a neuroimaging biomarker, including the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, the differential diagnosis of ADHD, and the evaluation of traumatic brain injury. The limitations, both real and perceived, of SPECT and PET functional neuroimaging in the field of psychiatry are also elaborated. An important overarching concept for diagnostic imaging in all its forms, including functional neuroimaging, is that imaging allows a clinician to eliminate possibilities, narrow the differential diagnosis, and tailor the treatment plan. This progression is central to any medical diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Henderson
- The Synaptic Space, Inc., Denver, CO, United States.,Neuro-Luminance, Inc., Denver, CO, United States.,Dr. Theodore Henderson, Inc., Denver, CO, United States.,International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Muriel J van Lierop
- International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States.,Private Practice, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary McLean
- International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States.,Private Practice, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Michael Uszler
- International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States.,Nuclear Medicine, Providence St. John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, United States.,Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John F Thornton
- International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States.,Rossiter-Thornton Associates, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yin-Hui Siow
- International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States.,Nuclear Medicine, Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, ON, Canada
| | - Dan G Pavel
- International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States.,PathFinder Brain SPECT, Deerfield, IL, United States
| | - Joe Cardaci
- International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States.,Fremantle-School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia.,Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine, Hollywood Private Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Consultant Physician, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Phil Cohen
- International Society of Applied Neuroimaging, Denver, CO, United States.,Nuclear Medicine, Lions Gate Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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