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Shom S, Saha S, Chatterjee M, Sinha S, Mukhopadhyay K. Indian ASD probands with 25(OH)D and vitamin D binding protein deficiency exhibited higher severity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19242. [PMID: 39164358 PMCID: PMC11336207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70188-x] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shows wide variations, though the reason remains unclear. Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is considered a risk factor for ASD and its supplementation was reported to reduce symptom severity. Since VitD, either synthesized in the skin or absorbed from the food, is transported to the liver by the vitamin D binding protein (DBP), we have analyzed DBP genetic polymorphisms [rs7041 (A/C), rs4588 (G/T), and rs3755967 (C/T)] affecting DBP function [Case = 411; Control = 397], levels of plasma 25(OH)D and DBP [Case = 25; Control = 26], and DBP mRNA expression [Case = 74; Control = 44] in a group of Indo-Caucasoid ASD probands and neurotypical subjects. ASD probands with rs7041'CC', rs4588 'TT', and rs3755967 'TT' genotypes exhibited higher scores for a few traits. Scores for Imitation and Listening response were also higher in the presence of the "A-T" haplotype (rs7041-rs4588). Plasma 25(OH)D and DBP levels as well as DBP mRNA expressions were significantly lower in the ASD probands as compared to the neurotypical subjects. We infer that DBP deficiency, in the presence of risk genetic variants, could be one of the reasons for the reported 25(OH)D deficiency of the ASD probands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayanti Shom
- Manovikas Biomedical Research and Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700107, India
| | - Sharmistha Saha
- Manovikas Biomedical Research and Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700107, India
| | - Mahasweta Chatterjee
- Manovikas Biomedical Research and Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700107, India
| | - Swagata Sinha
- Manovikas Biomedical Research and Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700107, India
| | - Kanchan Mukhopadhyay
- Manovikas Biomedical Research and Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700107, India.
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Naspolini NF, Vanzele PAR, Tótolo P, Schüroff PA, Fatori D, Vicentini Neto SA, Barata-Silva C, dos Santos LMG, Fujita A, Passos-Bueno MR, Beltrão-Braga PCB, Campos AC, Carvalho ACPLF, Polanczyk GV, Moreira JC, Taddei CR. Lead contamination in human milk affects infants' language trajectory: results from a prospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1450570. [PMID: 39193201 PMCID: PMC11347280 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1450570] [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: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Infants growing up in low- and middle-income countries are at increased risk of suffering adverse childhood experiences, including exposure to environmental pollution and lack of cognitive stimulation. In this study, we aimed to examine the levels of metals in the human milk of women living in São Paulo City, Brazil, and determine the effects on infants' neurodevelopment. For such, a total of 185 human milk samples were analyzed for arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We applied the Bayley scales of infant and toddler development Third Edition (Bayley-III) to assess developmental milestones. In our analysis, we found a mean (standard deviation) concentration of As in human milk equal to 2.76 (4.09) μg L-1, followed by Pb 2.09 (5.36) and Hg 1.96 (6.68). Cd was not detected. We observed that infants exposed to Pb presented language trajectories lower than non-exposed infants (β = -0.413; 95% CI -0.653, -0.173) after adjustment for infant age, maternal education, socioeconomic status, infant sex, and sample weights. Our results report As, Pb, and Hg contamination in human milk, and that infant exposure to Pb decreased infants' language development. These results evidence maternal-child environmental exposure and its detrimental impact on infants' health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro A. R. Vanzele
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Tótolo
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Fatori
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Psicopatologia e Terapeutica Psiquiatrica LIM-23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Santos Alves Vicentini Neto
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (INCQS/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Barata-Silva
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (INCQS/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lisia Maria Gobbo dos Santos
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (INCQS/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Fujita
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Network AI Statistics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia C. B. Beltrão-Braga
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institut Pasteur de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alline C. Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André C. P. L. F. Carvalho
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil
| | - Guilherme V. Polanczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josino Costa Moreira
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (INCQS/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla R. Taddei
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wikarska A, Roszak K, Roszek K. Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Purinergic Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Bridging the Gap between Cell-Based Strategies and Neuro-Immune Modulation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1310. [PMID: 38927517 PMCID: PMC11201695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061310] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still increasing, which means that this neurodevelopmental lifelong pathology requires special scientific attention and efforts focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches. It has become increasingly evident that neuroinflammation and dysregulation of neuro-immune cross-talk are specific hallmarks of ASD, offering the possibility to treat these disorders by factors modulating neuro-immunological interactions. Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has already been postulated as one of the therapeutic approaches for ASD; however, less is known about the molecular mechanisms of stem cell influence. One of the possibilities, although still underestimated, is the paracrine purinergic activity of MSCs, by which stem cells ameliorate inflammatory reactions. Modulation of adenosine signaling may help restore neurotransmitter balance, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve overall brain function in individuals with ASD. In our review article, we present a novel insight into purinergic signaling, including but not limited to the adenosinergic pathway and its role in neuroinflammation and neuro-immune cross-talk modulation. We anticipate that by achieving a greater understanding of the purinergic signaling contribution to ASD and related disorders, novel therapeutic strategies may be devised for patients with autism in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katarzyna Roszek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (A.W.); (K.R.)
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Liu YC, Liao YT, Wen MH, Chen VCH, Chen YL. The Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Precocious Puberty: Considering Effect Modification by Sex and Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities. J Pers Med 2024; 14:632. [PMID: 38929853 PMCID: PMC11204849 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Limited knowledge is available about the association between autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and precocious puberty. Our study examined the association between the two medical conditions and effect modification by sex and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in a nationwide population. To compare the risk of precocious puberty between ASD and non-ASD cases, we conducted a Cox regression analysis using ASD as the exposure and time to precocious puberty as the outcome. We adjusted for sex, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), tic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. We performed a moderation analysis to examine the potential moderating effects of sex and comorbidities. Patients with ASD were prone to have precocious puberty, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.80 (95% CI: 1.61-2.01). For effect modification, sex, specifically females, moderated the association between ASD and precocious puberty, with a relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) of 7.35 (95% CI 4.90-9.80). No significant effect modification was found for any of the comorbidities within the scope of additive effect modification. We found that patients with ASD were prone to precocious puberty, regardless of sex or comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders. Girls with ASD are at a particularly higher risk of developing precocious puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Changhua Christian Children’s Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
| | - Yin-To Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hong Wen
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Sing Wish Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan;
| | - Vincent Chin-Hung Chen
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
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Chen CC, Lin CH, Lin MC. Maternal autoimmune disease and risk of offspring autism spectrum disorder - a nationwide population-based cohort study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1254453. [PMID: 38025447 PMCID: PMC10654781 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1254453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which cause long term social and behavior impairment, and its prevalence is on the rise. Studies about the association between maternal autoimmune diseases and offspring ASD have controversial results. The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal autoimmune diseases increase the risk of ASD in offspring from a population-based perspective. Methods The data sources were Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and Taiwan's Maternal and Child Health Database (MCHD), which were integrated and used to identify newborns whose mothers were diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Newborns were matched by maternal age, neonatal gender, and date of birth with controls whose mothers were without autoimmune disease using a ratio of 1:4 between 2004 and 2019. Data on diagnoses of autoimmune disease and autism spectrum disorders were retrieved from NHIRD. Patients who had at least 3 outpatient visits or at least 1 admission with a diagnosis of autoimmune disease and autism spectrum disorders were defined as incidence cases. The risks of ASD in offspring were compared between mothers with or without autoimmune disorders. Results We identified 20,865 newborns whose mothers had been diagnosed with autoimmune disease before pregnancy and matched them at a ratio of 1:4 with a total of 83,460 newborn whose mothers were without autoimmune disease, by maternal age, neonatal gender, and date of birth. They were randomly selected as the control group. The cumulative incidence rates of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were significantly higher among the offspring of mothers with autoimmune diseases. After adjusting for cofactors, the risk of ASD remained significantly higher in children whose mother had autoimmune diseases. Regarding to specific maternal autoimmune disease, Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis were both associated with elevated risks of ASD in offspring. Conclusion Mother with autoimmune disease might be associated with increasing the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chu Chen
- Children’s Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Heng Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Lin
- Children’s Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Brito A, Franco F, Brentani H, Beltrão-Braga PCB. Assessment of vulnerability dimensions considering Family History and environmental interplay in Autism Spectrum Disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:254. [PMID: 37059985 PMCID: PMC10105456 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04747-3] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite previous studies have recently shown Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as having a strong genetics background, over a minimum environmental background, no study up to date has investigated the interplay between genetics and environment. METHODS We have collected data regarding Family History (FH) and Environmental Factors (EF) from 2,141 individuals with ASD and their caretakers throughout Brazil, based on an online questionnaire. Most of the ASD individuals were males (81%) and the average age was 02 years minimum for males and females, and the maximum age was 41 years for males and 54 for females. People from all states in Brazil have answered the questionnaire. Genetic inheritance was obtained based on the declared FH of Psychiatric and Neurological diagnosis. As for EF, exposure to risk factors during pregnancy was considered, like infections, diabetes, drugs/chemicals exposure, socioeconomic, and psychological factors. Respondents were invited to answer the questionnaire in lectures given throughout Brazil, and by the social networks of the NGO "The Tooth Fairy Project". A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was conducted to search vulnerability dimensions, and a Cluster Analysis was conducted to classify and identify the subgroups. RESULTS Regarding EF, social and psychological exposures contributed to the first two dimensions. Concerning FH, the first dimension represented psychiatric FH, while the second represented neurological FH. When analyzed together, EF and FH contributed to two new dimensions: 1. psychiatric FH, and 2. a psychosocial component. Using Cluster Analysis, it was not possible to isolate subgroups by genetic vulnerability or environmental exposure. Instead, a gradient of psychiatric FH with similar contributions of EF was observed. CONCLUSION In this study, it was not possible to isolate groups of patients that correspond to only one component, but rather a continuum with different compositions of genetic and environmental interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Brito
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Scientific Platform Pasteur-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Franco
- Psychiatry Institute, University of São Paulo's Faculty of Medicine (IPq-FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Interunit Postgraduate Program On Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Psychiatry Institute, University of São Paulo's Faculty of Medicine (IPq-FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Cristina Baleeiro Beltrão-Braga
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Scientific Platform Pasteur-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Caut C, Schoenaker D, McIntyre E, Vilcins D, Gavine A, Steel A. Relationships between Women's and Men's Modifiable Preconception Risks and Health Behaviors and Maternal and Offspring Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review. Semin Reprod Med 2022; 40:170-183. [PMID: 35830867 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Parental health before conception effects maternal and offspring health outcomes. Preconception care provides healthcare to prospective parents addressing modifiable preconception risks and health behaviors. This umbrella review aimed to consolidate evidence on women's and men's modifiable preconception risks or health behaviors associated with maternal and offspring health outcomes. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Maternity and Infant Care, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched from March 4, 2010, to March 4, 2020. Eligible studies were systematic reviews or meta-analyses of observational studies examining associations between modifiable preconception risks or health behaviors and maternal and offspring health outcomes. Screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment (AMSTAR 2) occurred independently by two reviewers. Degree of overlap was examined. Findings were summarized for evidence synthesis. Twenty-seven systematic reviews were included. Modifiable preconception risks and health behaviors were identified across categories: body composition (e.g., overweight, obesity), lifestyle behaviors (e.g., caffeine, smoking), nutrition (e.g., micronutrients), environmental exposures (e.g., radiation), and birth spacing (e.g., short interpregnancy intervals). Outcomes associated with exposures affected embryo (e.g., embryonic growth), maternal (e.g., gestational diabetes mellitus), fetal/neonate (e.g., preterm birth), and child (e.g., neurocognitive disorders) health. For real-world practice and policy relevance, evidence-based indicators for preconception care should include body composition, lifestyle, nutrition, environmental, and birth spacing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle Schoenaker
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Erica McIntyre
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dwan Vilcins
- Children's Health Environmental Program (CHEP), Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anna Gavine
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Amie Steel
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Gao X, Zhao Y, Wang N, Yang L. Migration modulates the prevalence of ASD and ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:395. [PMID: 35698047 PMCID: PMC9195277 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04037-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration has been implicated as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but evidence is still limited and inconsistent. We aim to investigate the relationship between migration status and risk of ASD and ADHD. METHODS Electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychINFO were searched to identify observational studies on this topic, from inception to February 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis models were used to pool the summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and subgroup analyses were conducted to detect possible discrepancies in associations. Certainty of evidence was assessed as per the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines. RESULTS A total of 13 studies (6,532,546 participants) for ASD, five studies (2,875,070 participants) for ADHD, and six studies (31,158 participants) for hyperactivity were included. Overall, the pooled results indicated that migration was associated with increased risk of ASD (pooled OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.07-1.63; P for Z test = 0.010), but no association was found between migration and ADHD (pooled OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.53-1.32; P for Z test = 0.452) or hyperactivity (pooled standardized mean difference: -0.073; 95% CIs: - 0.383-0.236; P for Z test = 0.642). Subgroup analyses further demonstrated that maternal migration was ASD risk factor (pooled OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19-1.87), and migrant children were more likely to develop ASD with comorbid intellectual disability (ID) (pooled OR: 1.21, P for interaction = 0.006) than ASD without ID. After standardized the origin of migrants, European migrant children from Americas were at higher risk of ASD and ADHD (pooled OR were 4.13 and 1.26), and increased ASD risk was also observed in African children (pooled OR: 2.72). The GRADE of evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS Maternal migration is a risk factor for ASD, and migrant ASD children are more likely comorbid ID. The role of migration on ADHD remains controversial, more studies are needed to assess the association between migration status and ADHD. Health care practitioners should consider screening and providing extra resources for migrant children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuping Gao
- grid.459847.30000 0004 1798 0615Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 51, Huayuan Bei Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 PR China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong PR China
| | - Yilu Zhao
- grid.459847.30000 0004 1798 0615Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 51, Huayuan Bei Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 PR China
| | - Ning Wang
- grid.459847.30000 0004 1798 0615Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 51, Huayuan Bei Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 PR China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 51, Huayuan Bei Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, PR China.
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Martini MI, Merkelbach I, Begeer S. Gestational Age in Autistic Children and Adolescents: Prevalence and Effects on Autism Phenotype. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:1906-1914. [PMID: 35129797 PMCID: PMC10123031 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPre- and post-term children show increased autism risk. Little is known about gestational age (GA) prevalence among autistic children, and their respective autism phenotype. We compared prevalence of pre-, full- and post-term birth between a population-derived sample of N = 606 (137 females, 22.61%) autistic children and adolescents (mean age = 14.01, SD = 3.63, range 3–24) from the Netherlands Autism Register, and matched controls from the Dutch birth register. Autism phenotype and comorbid symptoms were assessed with the AQ-short and SDQ questionnaires. Using logistic regression, we found higher prevalence of pre- and post-term birth among autistic individuals but no phenotypical differences across GA groups. Autism risk was particularly elevated for post-term children, highlighting the need for closer investigation of autism on the whole GA range.
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Missing from the Narrative: A Seven-Decade Scoping Review of the Inclusion of Black Autistic Women and Girls in Autism Research. Behav Anal Pract 2021; 15:1093-1105. [PMID: 36605161 PMCID: PMC9745006 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-021-00654-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The intersectional experiences of Black autistic women and girls (BAWG) are missing from medical and educational research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the intersectional experiences of BAWG is important due to the rising prevalence of autism in Black children and girls (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2020) and the concurrent lack of availability of culturally relevant autism-related interventions (Maenner et al., 2020; West et al., 2016). Intersectionality is the study of the overlapping discrimination produced by systems of oppression (Collins, 2019; Crenshaw, 1989, 1991) and allows the researcher to simultaneously address race and disability in special education (Artiles, 2013). In this scoping review, the authors used the PRISMA-ScR checklist (Tricco et al., 2018) and Arskey and O'Malley's (2005) framework to investigate the degree to which autism-related research (ARR) has included the intersectional experiences of BAWG. Utilizing narrative synthesis, strengths and gaps across the current body of literature are identified in order to set new directions for intersectional ARR. Overall, the authors found that across a 77-year period, three studies foregrounded BAWG and none addressed intersectionality as measured through criteria advanced by García and Ortiz (2013). These results reveal the scholarly neglect BAWG face in ARR, discourse, policy, and practice. A future agenda including research, practice, and policy priorities is identified and discussed.
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Grivas G, Frye R, Hahn J. Pregnant Mothers' Medical Claims and Associated Risk of Their Children being Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2021; 11:950. [PMID: 34683092 PMCID: PMC8537202 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11100950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective analysis of administrative claims containing a diverse mixture of ages, ethnicities, and geographical regions across the United States was conducted in order to identify medical events that occur during pregnancy and are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The dataset used in this study is comprised of 123,824 pregnancies of which 1265 resulted in the child being diagnosed with ASD during the first five years of life. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant relationships between several maternal medical claims, made during her pregnancy and segmented by trimester, and the child's diagnosis of ASD. Having a biological sibling with ASD, maternal use of antidepressant medication and psychiatry services as well as non-pregnancy related claims such hospital visits, surgical procedures, and radiology exposure were related to an increased risk of ASD regardless of trimester. Urinary tract infections during the first trimester and preterm delivery during the second trimester were also related to an increased risk of ASD. Preventative and obstetrical care were associated with a decreased risk for ASD. A better understanding of the medical factors that increase the risk of having a child with ASD can lead to strategies to decrease risk or identify those children who require increased surveillance for the development of ASD to promote early diagnosis and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Grivas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA;
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA
- OptumLabs Visiting Fellow, OptumLabs, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA
| | - Richard Frye
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
- Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA;
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA
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12
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Löffler P. Review: Vaccine Myth-Buster - Cleaning Up With Prejudices and Dangerous Misinformation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:663280. [PMID: 34177902 PMCID: PMC8222972 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.663280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although vaccines have already saved and will continue to save millions of lives, they are under attack. Vaccine safety is the main target of criticism. The rapid distribution of false information, or even conspiracy theories on the internet has tremendously favored vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) named vaccine hesitancy one of the top ten threats to global health in 2019. Parents and patients have several concerns about vaccine safety, of which the ubiquitous anxieties include inactivating agents, adjuvants, preservatives, or new technologies such as genetic vaccines. In general, increasing doubts concerning side effects have been observed, which may lead to an increasing mistrust of scientific results and thus, the scientific method. Hence, this review targets five topics concerning vaccines and reviews current scientific publications in order to summarize the available information refuting conspiracy theories and myths about vaccination. The topics have been selected based on the author's personal perception of the most frequently occurring safety controversies: the inactivation agent formaldehyde, the adjuvant aluminum, the preservative mercury, the mistakenly-drawn correlation between vaccines and autism and genetic vaccines. The scientific literature shows that vaccine safety is constantly studied. Furthermore, the literature does not support the allegations that vaccines may cause a serious threat to general human life. The author suggests that more researchers explaining their research ideas, methods and results publicly could strengthen the general confidence in science. In general, vaccines present one of the safest and most cost-effective medications and none of the targeted topics raised serious health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Löffler
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
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13
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Chaudhary R, Agarwal V, Kaushik AS, Rehman M. Involvement of myocyte enhancer factor 2c in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06854. [PMID: 33981903 PMCID: PMC8082549 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06854] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), a family of transcription factor of MADS (minichromosome maintenance 1, agamous, deficiens and serum response factor)-box family needed in the growth and differentiation of a variety of human cells, such as neural, immune, endothelial, and muscles. As per existing literature, MEF2 transcription factors have also been associated with synaptic plasticity, the developmental mechanisms governing memory and learning, and several neurologic conditions, like autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Recent genomic findings have ascertained a link between MEF2 defects, particularly in the MEF2C isoform and the ASD. In this review, we summarized a concise overview of the general regulation, structure and functional roles of the MEF2C transcription factor. We further outlined the potential role of MEF2C as a risk factor for various neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD, MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Vipul Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Arjun Singh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Mujeeba Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
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14
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Matveeva TM, Singh G, Gisslen TA, Gewirtz JC, Georgieff MK. Sex differences in adult social, cognitive, and affective behavioral deficits following neonatal phlebotomy-induced anemia in mice. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e01780. [PMID: 33605555 PMCID: PMC7994701 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anemia is common in prematurely born infants due to blood loss resulting from frequent phlebotomies and may contribute to their neurobehavioral deficits. Preclinical models of phlebotomy-induced anemia (PIA) have revealed metabolic and genomic changes in multiple brain structures of young mice, yet the impact of neonatal PIA on early-life and adult behavior has not been assessed. METHODS The present study employed a range of behavioral measures in phlebotomized anemic neonatal mice to investigate short- and long-term neurodevelopmental effects. PIA from postnatal (P) days 3 to 14 caused sex-specific changes in social behavior, novelty preference, and anxiety at P17 that persisted into adulthood. RESULTS Our preclinical model suggests that PIA may contribute to acute and long-term behavioral and affective deficits and warrants further substantiation of the observed behavioral phenomena in larger samples. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that this model is a useful tool for beginning to better understand the lasting effect that early-life PIA might have on the developing brain. The differential impact of PIA on male and female subjects warrants further exploration for the development of appropriately targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Garima Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Tate A Gisslen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jonathan C Gewirtz
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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15
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Vanegas SB. Examining factors related to the age of diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder from immigrant and non-immigrant backgrounds in a diverse clinical sample. Autism Res 2021; 14:1260-1270. [PMID: 33624946 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A timely diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important for children as that may help inform the best services and supports needed for optimal outcomes. However, disparities in the identification of ASD have been consistently documented for racial/ethnic minority and immigrant populations. The majority of studies of immigrant populations have focused on the qualitative experience of ASD, however, greater knowledge about the predictors of the age of initial ASD diagnosis is needed. This study examined the child, maternal, and family-level factors that predicted the age of initial ASD diagnosis in a diverse clinical sample through a retrospective medical record review. Medical records of clinical evaluations conducted between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed for children with ASD born to immigrant and non-immigrant mothers. Regression analyses found that for both groups of children with ASD, using verbal language to communicate and having another diagnosis (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or another condition) predicted an older age of initial ASD diagnosis. For children with ASD born to immigrant mothers, residing in a multilingual household was associated with a younger age of diagnosis. These results highlight the complexities of an ASD diagnosis among diverse children and families, particularly among immigrant communities. LAY SUMMARY: This research looked at predictors of when children received their first autism spectrum disorder diagnosis across children born to immigrant mothers and children born to U.S.-born mothers. Living in a multilingual home was related to a younger age of diagnosis for children of immigrant mothers; being verbal and having another diagnosis was related to an older age of diagnosis for both groups of children. This highlights the need to improve diagnostic services for diverse children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra B Vanegas
- School of Social Work, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
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16
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Schmengler H, Cohen D, Tordjman S, Melchior M. Autism Spectrum and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children of Immigrants: A Brief Review of Current Evidence and Implications for Clinical Practice. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:566368. [PMID: 33815159 PMCID: PMC8012490 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.566368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Children of immigrants may have higher neurodevelopmental risks than those of non-immigrant populations. Yet, some evidence suggests that this group may receive late diagnosis, and therefore miss beneficial early interventions. Clinicians may misattribute symptoms of disorders to other social, behavioral or language problems. Likewise, there might be cultural differences in parents' likelihood of perceiving or reporting first developmental concerns to clinicians. Population-based standardized screening may play an important role in addressing ethnic inequalities in the age at diagnosis, although further research focusing on cross-cultural use is necessary. Once children are diagnosed, clinicians may rely on culturally sensitive procedures (translation services, cultural mediators) to increase the accessibility of interventions and improve adherence among immigrant families. In this brief review, we provide an overview about what is currently known about the epidemiology and risk factors of neurodevelopmental disorders, paying special attention to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in children of immigrants and suggest the necessity of population-based screening and culturally sensitive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Schmengler
- INSERM U1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique, Rennes, France.,Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht Centre for Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - David Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Reference Centre for Rare Psychiatric Diseases, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics, CNRS UMR 7222, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Régnier, Rennes, France.,Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, CNRS UMR 8002 and University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- INSERM U1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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17
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Mesnil M, Defamie N, Naus C, Sarrouilhe D. Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link? Biomolecules 2020; 11:51. [PMID: 33396565 PMCID: PMC7824109 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Christian Naus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada;
| | - Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 rue de La Milétrie, bât D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, France
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18
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Dórea JG. Neurotoxic effects of combined exposures to aluminum and mercury in early life (infancy). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109734. [PMID: 32544722 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Aluminum and mercury are environmentally ubiquitous. Individually they are both neurotoxic elements with shared neuro-pathogenic pathways: oxidative stress, altered neurotransmission, and disruption of the neuroendocrine and immune systems. In the infant, Al and Hg differ in type of exposure, absorption, distribution (brain access), and metabolism. In environmentally associated exposure (breast milk and infant formulas) their co-occurrences fluctuate randomly, but in Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) they occur combined in a proprietary ratio; in these cases, low-doses of Thimerosal-ethylmercury (EtHg) and adjuvant-Al present the most widespread binary mixture in less developed countries. Although experimental studies at low doses of the binary Hg and Al mixture are rare, when studied individually they have been shown to affect neurological outcomes negatively. In invitro systems, comparative neurotoxicity between Al and Hg varies in relation to the measured parameters but seems less for Al than for Hg. While neurotoxicity of environmental Hg (mainly fish methyl-Hg, MeHg) is associated with neurobehavioral outcomes in children, environmental Al is not associated, except in certain clinical conditions. Therefore, the issues of their neurotoxic effects (singly or combined) are discussed. In the infant (up to six months) the organic-Hg and Al body burdens from a full TCV schedule are estimated to reach levels higher than that originating from breastfeeding or from high aluminum soy-based formulas. Despite worldwide exposure to both Al and Hg (inorganic Hg, MeHg, and Thimerosal/EtHg), our knowledge on this combined exposure is insufficient to predict their combined neurotoxic effects (and with other co-occurring neurotoxicants).
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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19
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Ventura G, Calvano CD, Porcelli V, Palmieri L, De Giacomo A, Xu Y, Goodacre R, Palmisano F, Cataldi TRI. Phospholipidomics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs): the tricky case of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their healthy siblings. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:6859-6874. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02817-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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20
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A High Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Children in an Immigrant, Multiethnic Population in Sweden: Challenges for Health Care. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:538-549. [PMID: 32533384 PMCID: PMC7835151 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in preschool children in an immigrant population. Possible risk factors for ASD and individual needs for the children and their families are described, as well as implications for health care. The estimated minimum prevalence for ASD in the area was 3.66% for children aged 2–5 years. Multiple risk factors and extensive individual needs for the children and their families were observed. The high prevalence of ASD and the plethora of needs in immigrant communities pose challenges for health care. A coordinated health care system is necessary to meet the many and individual needs.
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21
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Yoon SH, Choi J, Lee WJ, Do JT. Genetic and Epigenetic Etiology Underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E966. [PMID: 32244359 PMCID: PMC7230567 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, language development delays, repeated body movements, and markedly deteriorated activities and interests. Environmental factors, such as viral infection, parental age, and zinc deficiency, can be plausible contributors to ASD susceptibility. As ASD is highly heritable, genetic risk factors involved in neurodevelopment, neural communication, and social interaction provide important clues in explaining the etiology of ASD. Accumulated evidence also shows an important role of epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA, in ASD etiology. In this review, we compiled the research published to date and described the genetic and epigenetic epidemiology together with environmental risk factors underlying the etiology of the different phenotypes of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, KU Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.H.Y.); (J.C.); (W.J.L.)
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22
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Egorova O, Myte R, Schneede J, Hägglöf B, Bölte S, Domellöf E, Ivars A'roch B, Elgh F, Ueland PM, Silfverdal SA. Maternal blood folate status during early pregnancy and occurrence of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: a study of 62 serum biomarkers. Mol Autism 2020; 11:7. [PMID: 32131900 PMCID: PMC6964211 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-0315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evolves from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors during prenatal development. Since identifying maternal biomarkers associated with ASD risk in offspring during early pregnancy might result in new strategies for intervention, we investigated maternal metabolic biomarkers in relation to occurrence of ASD in offspring using both univariate logistic regression and multivariate network analysis. METHODS Serum samples from 100 women with an offspring diagnosed with ASD and 100 matched control women with typically developing offspring were collected at week 14 of pregnancy. Concentrations of 62 metabolic biomarkers were determined, including amino acids, vitamins (A, B, D, E, and K), and biomarkers related to folate (vitamin B9) metabolism, lifestyle factors, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), the kynurenine-tryptophan ratio (KTR), and neopterin as markers of inflammation and immune activation. RESULTS We found weak evidence for a positive association between higher maternal serum concentrations of folate and increased occurrence of ASD (OR per 1 SD increase: 1.70, 95% CI 1.22-2.37, FDR adjusted P = 0.07). Multivariate network analysis confirmed expected internal biochemical relations between the biomarkers. Neither inflammation markers nor vitamin D3 levels, all hypothesized to be involved in ASD etiology, displayed associations with ASD occurrence in the offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that high maternal serum folate status during early pregnancy may be associated with the occurrence of ASD in offspring. No inference about physiological mechanisms behind this observation can be made at the present time because blood folate levels may have complex relations with nutritional intake, the cellular folate status and status of other B-vitamins. Therefore, further investigations, which may clarify the potential role and mechanisms of maternal blood folate status in ASD risk and the interplay with other potential risk factors, in larger materials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Egorova
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Robin Myte
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jörn Schneede
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bruno Hägglöf
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Erik Domellöf
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Barbro Ivars A'roch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Elgh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Magne Ueland
- Bevital AS, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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23
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Chun H, Leung C, Wen SW, McDonald J, Shin HH. Maternal exposure to air pollution and risk of autism in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 256:113307. [PMID: 31733973 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing. Previous studies suggested potential association between pregnancy air pollution exposure and ASD. This systematic review and meta-analysis is intended to summarize the association between maternal exposure to outdoor air pollution and ASD in children by trimester based on recent studies. METHODS A systematic literature search in 3 databases (Medline, Embase, and Web of Science) was performed using subject headings related to ASD and air pollution since 2007. Eligible studies were screened and evaluated based on predetermined criteria. For meta-analyses, the studies were grouped by air pollutant and exposure time (prenatal period and trimesters). Within-group studies were standardized by log odds ratio (OR) and then combined by three meta-analysis methods: frequentist fixed and random effects models, and Bayesian random effects model. RESULTS Initial search identified 1564 papers, of which 25 studies remained for final analysis after duplicates and ineligible studies were removed. Of the 25 studies, 13, 14, 12, and 7 studies investigated ASD in children associated with PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and ozone, respectively. The frequentist and Bayesian random effects models resulted in different statistical significance. For prenatal period, frequentist meta-analysis returned significant pooled ORs with 95% confidence intervals, 1.06(1.01,1.11) for PM2.5 and 1.02(1.01,1.04) for NO2, whereas Bayesian meta-analysis showed similar ORs with wider 95% posterior intervals, 1.06(1.00,1.13) for PM2.5 and 1.02(1.00,1.05) for NO2. Third trimester appeared to have higher pooled ORs for PM2.5, PM10, and ozone, but patterns in the time-varying associations over the trimester were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS For positive association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollution and ASD in children, there is some evidence for PM2.5, weak evidence for NO2 and little evidence for PM10 and ozone. However, patterns in associations over trimesters were inconsistent among studies and among air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- HeeKyoung Chun
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA
| | - Cheryl Leung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Newborn Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shi Wu Wen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Newborn Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Judy McDonald
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hwashin H Shin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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24
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Aye SZ, Ni H, Sein HH, Mon ST, Zheng Q, Wong YKY. D-cycloserine for autism spectrum disorder. Hippokratia 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Swe Zin Aye
- Quest International University Perak; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health; No 122A Jalan Haji Eusoff Ipoh Perak Malaysia 30250
| | - Han Ni
- SEGi University; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital Sibu, Jalan Ulu Oya Sibu Sarawak Malaysia 96000
| | - Htwe Htwe Sein
- Quest International University Perak; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health; No 122A Jalan Haji Eusoff Ipoh Perak Malaysia 30250
| | - San Thidar Mon
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia; Department of Paediatrics; No 1, Jalan Sarjana 1 Kota Ilmu, Educity@iskandar Johor Johor Malaysia 79200
| | - Qishi Zheng
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute; Department of Epidemiology; 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #02-01 Singapore Singapore 138669
| | - Yoko Kin Yoke Wong
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute; Department of Epidemiology; 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #02-01 Singapore Singapore 138669
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25
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Strunecka A, Strunecky O. Chronic Fluoride Exposure and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3431. [PMID: 31527457 PMCID: PMC6765894 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The continuous rise of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalent in the past few decades is causing an increase in public health and socioeconomic concern. A consensus suggests the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors in the ASD etiopathogenesis. Fluoride (F) is rarely recognized among the environmental risk factors of ASD, since the neurotoxic effects of F are not generally accepted. Our review aims to provide evidence of F neurotoxicity. We assess the risk of chronic F exposure in the ASD etiopathology and investigate the role of metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation, immunoexcitotoxicity, and decreased melatonin levels. These symptoms have been observed both after chronic F exposure as well as in ASD. Moreover, we show that F in synergistic interactions with aluminum's free metal cation (Al3+) can reinforce the pathological symptoms of ASD. This reinforcement takes place at concentrations several times lower than when acting alone. A high ASD prevalence has been reported from countries with water fluoridation as well as from endemic fluorosis areas. We suggest focusing the ASD prevention on the reduction of the F and Al3+ burdens from daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Strunecka
- The Institute of Technology and Business, Okružní 517/10, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Otakar Strunecky
- The Institute of Technology and Business, Okružní 517/10, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Schmengler H, El-Khoury Lesueur F, Yermachenko A, Taine M, Cohen D, Peyre H, Saint-Georges C, Thierry X, Melchior M. Maternal immigrant status and signs of neurodevelopmental problems in early childhood: The French representative ELFE birth cohort. Autism Res 2019; 12:1845-1859. [PMID: 31373761 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that children of immigrants may have increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, evidence based on parent report and on very young children is lacking. We therefore investigated the association between maternal immigrant status and early signs of neurodevelopmental problems in a population-based sample of 2-year-old children using standardized parent-report instruments. We used data from the French representative Étude Longitudinale Française depuis l'Enfance birth cohort, initiated in 2011. The study sample included 9,900 children of nonimmigrant French, 1,403 children of second, and 1,171 children of first generation immigrant women followed-up to age 2 years. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and an adaptation of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDI). In fully adjusted linear regression models, maternal immigrant status was associated with M-CHAT scores, with stronger associations in children of first (β-coefficient: 0.19; 95% CI 0.08-0.29) than second generation immigrants (0.09; 0.01-0.17). This association was especially strong among children of first generation immigrant mothers native of North Africa (vs. nonimmigrant French: 0.33; 0.16-0.49) and French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa (0.26; 0.07-0.45). MB-CDI scores were lowest among children of first generation immigrant mothers, particularly from mostly non-francophone regions. Children of first generation immigrant mothers were most likely to have simultaneously low MB-CDI and high M-CHAT scores. Our findings suggest that maternal immigrant status is associated with early signs of neurodevelopmental difficulties, with strong variations according to maternal region of origin. Further research is necessary to test whether these associations persist and to determine the underlying mechanisms. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1845-1859. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: We asked immigrant and nonimmigrant mothers in France about early signs of neurodevelopmental problems in their 2-year-old children. Overall, we found that children of immigrants may be at higher risk of showing these early warning signs, as compared to children of nonimmigrants. This is in line with previous studies, which were based on doctors' diagnoses at later ages. However, our results differed depending on the mothers' regions of origin. We found the highest risks in children of first generation immigrants from North and French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa, who also seemed especially at risk of neurodevelopmental problems combined with low language development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Schmengler
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP, Department of Social Epidemiology), F75012, Paris, France.,École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (EHESP), Paris, France.,Utrecht Centre for Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Fabienne El-Khoury Lesueur
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP, Department of Social Epidemiology), F75012, Paris, France
| | - Anna Yermachenko
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP, Department of Social Epidemiology), F75012, Paris, France
| | - Marion Taine
- Early Determinants of Children's Health and Development Team (ORCHAD), INSERM UMR 1153, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Center (CRESS), Villejuif, France
| | - David Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Reference Centre for Rare Psychiatric Diseases, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics, CNRS UMR 7222, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Peyre
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Cognitive Sciences and Psycholinguistics Laboratory, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 1141, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Saint-Georges
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Reference Centre for Rare Psychiatric Diseases, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics, CNRS UMR 7222, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Thierry
- Institut National d'Études Démographiques, Paris, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP, Department of Social Epidemiology), F75012, Paris, France
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Campisi L, Imran N, Nazeer A, Skokauskas N, Azeem MW. Autism spectrum disorder. Br Med Bull 2019; 127:91-100. [PMID: 30215678 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldy026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Sources of data This article is based on key recent published literature including international guidelines and relevant reviews and meta-analyses. Authors have also supplemented this material with their own clinical experience. Areas of agreement There is an agreement that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a strong hereditary component. There is also a consensus that the reported prevalence estimates have increased in the last 5 years. There is strong support for using the broader spectrum disorder conceptualization of the DSM-5. Areas of controversy Higher public awareness of ASD has generated several controversial theories of causation. We review a number of environmental risk factors receiving media attention including: vaccines, mercury, heavy metal exposure and Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Popular yet controversial treatment interventions are discussed. Early diagnostic screening tools are also addressed. Growing points There is increasing scientific interest in identifying biomarkers of autism with potential for early diagnosis, prognostic indicators and predictive treatment responses. We review evidence from genetics, neuroimaging and eye tracking as candidate biomarkers. Area timely for developing research Family studies point to a strong hereditary component in the aetiology of autism. However these studies have not established 100% concordance rates, suggesting a role for environmental factors. The gene-environment interplay has not received enough attention in scientific research. This represents an important new avenue for research in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Campisi
- Department of Psychiatry, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nazish Imran
- Child and Family Psychiatry Department, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahsan Nazeer
- Department of Psychiatry, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Norbert Skokauskas
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Child Protection, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Muhammad Waqar Azeem
- Department of Psychiatry, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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28
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Russo FB, Brito A, de Freitas AM, Castanha A, de Freitas BC, Beltrão-Braga PCB. The use of iPSC technology for modeling Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104483. [PMID: 31129084 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that influence social skills, involving communication, interaction, and behavior, usually with repetitive and restrictive manners. Due to the variety of genes involved in ASDs and several possible environmental factors influence, there is still no answer to what really causes syndromic and non-syndromic types of ASDs, usually affecting each individual in a unique way. However, we know that the mechanism underlying ASDs involves brain functioning. The human brain is a complex structure composed of close to 100 billion cells, which is a big challenge to study counting just with post mortem tissue investigation or genetic approaches. Therefore, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) technology has been used as a tool to produce viable cells for understanding a working brain. Taking advantage of patient-derived stem cells, researchers are now able to generate neurons, glial cells and brain organoids in vitro to model ASDs. In this review we report data from different studies showing how iPSCs have been a critical tool to study the different phenotypes of ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiele Baldino Russo
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anita Brito
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Andrelissa Castanha
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz C de Freitas
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Cristina Baleeiro Beltrão-Braga
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Obstetrics, School of Arts Sciences and Humanities, São Paulo, SP 03828-000, Brazil.
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29
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Soke GN, Maenner M, Windham G, Moody E, Kaczaniuk J, DiGuiseppi C, Schieve LA. Association Between Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Children Enrolled in the Study to Explore Early Development. Autism Res 2019; 12:816-829. [PMID: 30852853 PMCID: PMC7723061 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Studies report inconsistent findings on the relationship between ASD and breastfeeding. We explored associations between ASD and breastfeeding initiation (yes/no) and duration (months categorized in tertiles) in the Study to Explore Early Development, a community-based case-control study in six sites in the Unites States. We adjusted for various child and mother demographic and pregnancy factors. Breastfeeding initiation was reported in 85.7% of mothers of children with ASD and 90.6% of mothers of controls. After adjustment, we found no significant difference in breastfeeding initiation (adjusted odds-ratio [aOR]: 0.88 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-1.28). However, mothers of children with ASD were less likely to report duration of breastfeeding in the high (≥12 months) versus low tertile (<6 months) (aOR and 95% CI: 0.61 [0.45-0.84]) or the middle (6-<12 months) versus low tertile (0.72: 0.54-0.98). The association of ASD and breastfeeding duration was slightly attenuated when the presence of the broader autism phenotype (BAP) in the mother was accounted for, but still remained for the highest tertile. This association does not appear to be totally explained by maternal BAP. We were unable to distinguish whether the difference in duration was due to difficulties breastfeeding children who later develop ASD, other factors not adjusted in our study, or greater ASD risk resulting from shorter breastfeeding duration. Longitudinal studies that compare reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding between ASD and controls and establish a temporal relation between ASD and breastfeeding are needed. Future studies should also evaluate interactions between ASD risk genes and breastfeeding. Autism Research 2019, 12: 816-829. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: In this study, we compared breastfeeding practices between mothers of children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We found that the percentage of mothers who started breastfeeding was similar between the two groups, but mothers of children with ASD breastfed for a shorter amount of time compared to mothers of children without ASD. Future studies are needed to evaluate the reasons why the duration of breastfeeding was shorter for mothers of children with ASD compared to those without ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gnakub N Soke
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Epidemic Intelligence Service, Atlanta, Georgia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew Maenner
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gayle Windham
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California
| | - Eric Moody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jamie Kaczaniuk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carolyn DiGuiseppi
- Colorado School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura A Schieve
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia
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30
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Perera F, Ashrafi A, Kinney P, Mills D. Towards a fuller assessment of benefits to children's health of reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change due to fossil fuel combustion. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 172:55-72. [PMID: 30771627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fossil fuel combustion by-products, including particulate matter (PM2.5), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), are a significant threat to children's health and equality. Various policies to reduce emissions have been implemented to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change, with sizeable estimated health and economic benefits. However, only a few adverse outcomes in children have been considered, resulting in an undercounting of the benefits to this vulnerable population. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to expand the suite of child health outcomes addressed by programs to assess health and economic benefits, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP), by identifying concentration-response (C-R) functions for six outcomes related to PM2.5, NO2, PAH, and/or PM10: preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, IQ reduction, and the development of childhood asthma. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the literature published between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2018 to identify relevant peer-reviewed case-control and cohort studies and meta-analyses. In some cases meta-analyses were available that provided reliable C-R functions and we assessed their consistency with subsequent studies. Otherwise, we reviewed all eligible studies published between our search dates. RESULTS For each pollutant and health outcome, we present the characteristics of each selected study. We distinguish between C-R functions for endpoints having a causal or likely relationship (PTB, LBW, autism, asthma development) with the pollutants for incorporation into primary analyses and endpoints having a suggestive causal relationship with the pollutants (IQ reduction, ADHD) for secondary analyses. CONCLUSION We have identified C-R functions for a number of adverse health outcomes in children associated with air pollutants largely from fossil fuel combustion. Their incorporation into expanded assessments of health benefits of clean air and climate mitigation policies will provide an important incentive for preventive action.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - A Ashrafi
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - P Kinney
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - D Mills
- Abt Associates, Boulder, CO, USA.
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31
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Pelch KE, Bolden AL, Kwiatkowski CF. Environmental Chemicals and Autism: A Scoping Review of the Human and Animal Research. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:46001. [PMID: 30942615 PMCID: PMC6785231 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimates of autism prevalence have increased dramatically over the past two decades. Evidence suggests environmental factors may contribute to the etiology of the disorder. OBJECTIVES This scoping review aimed to identify and categorize primary research and reviews on the association between prenatal and early postnatal exposure to environmental chemicals and the development of autism in epidemiological studies and rodent models of autism. METHODS PubMed was searched through 8 February 2018. Included studies assessed exposure to environmental chemicals prior to 2 months of age in humans or 14 d in rodents. Rodent studies were considered relevant if they included at least one measurement of reciprocal social communicative behavior or repetitive and stereotyped behavior. Study details are presented in interactive displays using Tableau Public. RESULTS The search returned 21,603 unique studies, of which 54 epidemiological studies, 46 experimental rodent studies, and 50 reviews were deemed relevant, covering 152 chemical exposures. The most frequently studied exposures in humans were particulate matter ([Formula: see text]), mercury ([Formula: see text]), nonspecific air pollution ([Formula: see text]), and lead ([Formula: see text]). In rodent studies, the most frequently studied exposures were chlorpyrifos ([Formula: see text]), mercury ([Formula: see text]), and lead ([Formula: see text]). DISCUSSION Although research is growing rapidly, wide variability exists in study design and conduct, exposures investigated, and outcomes assessed. Conclusions focus on recommendations to guide development of best practices in epidemiology and toxicology, including greater harmonization across these fields of research to more quickly and efficiently identify chemicals of concern. In particular, we recommend chlorpyrifos, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) be systematically reviewed in order to assess their relationship with the development of autism. There is a pressing need to move forward quickly and efficiently to understand environmental influences on autism in order to answer current regulatory questions and inform treatment and prevention efforts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4386.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carol F. Kwiatkowski
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, Eckert, Colorado, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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32
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Altay MA. Family Physicians' Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results from a Survey Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:967-972. [PMID: 30976342 PMCID: PMC6454156 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Family physicians with the first medical contact of children are among the most frequent physicians with ASD. We aimed to investigate family physicians’ awareness of ASD. METHODS: This study was carried out family physicians in between September 25-October 15, 2018. The questionnaire form on autism awareness prepared by the researcher was delivered to family physicians electronically and in printed form, and it was filled out by volunteers. RESULTS: Forty-eight family physicians with an average professional experience of 16.9 ± 8.8 years participated in the study. A group of 66.7% of the participants had not previously received education on ASD, and 70.8% of them did not refer any child to child psychiatry with suspected ASD in the last 6 months. The participants stated that the most common clinical features in children with ASD were the inability to make eye contact (72.9%) and repetitive movements (47.9%), and 56.3% of them stated one or more features that are not observed in ASD. The compliance of the participants’ answers about the clinical features observed in children with ASD with the DSM-5 criteria was determined to be 54.6 ± 18.4%. Significantly higher compliance rates were observed in the participants with education on autism and those working as a physician below 15 years. CONCLUSION: In our study, family physicians’ awareness of ASD was not found to be adequate. Education programs on autism awareness should be applied to family physicians who are probably the most frequently encountered physicians by children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengühan Araz Altay
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Trakya University School of Medicine, Edirne 22030, Turkey
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33
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Alex AM, Saradalekshmi KR, Shilen N, Suresh PA, Banerjee M. Genetic association of DNMT variants can play a critical role in defining the methylation patterns in autism. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:901-907. [PMID: 30786140 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with impairments in social communication, restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute toward pathophysiology of Autism. Environmental influences on gene expression can be mediated by methylation patterns which are established and maintained by DNA methyltransferases. Several studies in the past have investigated the role of global methylations in Autism. The present study is aimed to investigate the role of genetic variations in the DNA methyltransferase which might be critical in defining the threshold for environmental factors toward susceptibility to autism. Polymorphisms in DNA methyltransferases, DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and DNMT3L were screened for association with ASD in 180 autistic patients and 260 healthy controls from a south Indian population. DNMT1 rs10418707 and rs10423341, and DNMT3A rs2289195 were found to be significantly associated at genotypic and allelic level with ASD. Functional prediction indicates that these SNPs have a role in transcriptional regulation and increased expression, indicating that hypermethylation might be induced by its genotype status. The study might reflect the role of genetics variants in DNMTs in defining the threshold of environmental impact in influencing the disease or phenotype variations in ASD. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mary Alex
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | | | | | - Poovathinal A Suresh
- Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neuro-Science, Shoranur, Kerala, India
| | - Moinak Banerjee
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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Lovato DV, Herai RR, Pignatari GC, Beltrão-Braga PCB. The Relevance of Variants With Unknown Significance for Autism Spectrum Disorder Considering the Genotype-Phenotype Interrelationship. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:409. [PMID: 31231258 PMCID: PMC6567929 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several efforts in basic and clinical research have been contributing to unveiling the genetics behind autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, despite these advancements, many individuals diagnosed with ASD and related neuropsychiatric conditions have been genetically investigated without elucidative results. The enormous genetic complexity of ASD-related conditions makes it a significant challenge to achieve, with a growing number of genes (close to a thousand) involved, belonging to different molecular pathways and presenting distinct genetic variations. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is the approach most used in genetic research related to ASD, identifying de novo mutation, which is closely related to more severe clinical phenotypes, especially when they affect constrained and loss-of-function intolerant genes. On the other hand, de novo mutation findings contribute to a small percentage of the ASD population, since most of the cases and genetic variants associated with neuropsychiatric conditions are inherited and phenotypes are results of additive polygenic models, which makes statistical efforts more difficult. As a result, NGS investigation can sound vainly or unsuccessful, and new mutations on genes already related with ASD are classified as variants of unknown significance (VUS), hampering their endorsement to a clinical phenotype. This review is focused on currently available strategies to clarify the impact of VUS and to describe the efforts to identify more pieces of evidence throughout clinical interpretation and genetic curation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo V Lovato
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto R Herai
- Experimental Multiuser Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Lico Kaesemodel Institute (ILK), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Graciela C Pignatari
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia C B Beltrão-Braga
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Scientific Platform Pasteur-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zieminska E, Toczylowska B, Diamandakis D, Hilgier W, Filipkowski RK, Polowy R, Orzel J, Gorka M, Lazarewicz JW. Glutamate, Glutamine and GABA Levels in Rat Brain Measured Using MRS, HPLC and NMR Methods in Study of Two Models of Autism. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:418. [PMID: 30505268 PMCID: PMC6250849 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The disorders of the glutamatergic neurotransmission have been associated with pathogenesis of autism. In this study we evaluated the impact of the in vivo and ex vivo test methodology on measurements of levels of neurotransmitter amino acids in hippocampus of rats for valproic acid- (VPA) and thalidomide- (THAL) induced models of autism. The main goal was to compare the changes in concentrations of glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln) and GABA between both autistic groups and the control, measured in vivo and ex vivo in homogenates. The rat pups underwent three in vivo tests: ultrasonic vocalization (USV), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and unilateral microdialysis of the hippocampus. Analyses of homogenates of rat hippocampus were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. For the statistical analysis, we performed univariate and multivariate tests. USV test, which is considered in rodents as an indicator of pathology similar to autism, showed decreased USV in VPA and THAL groups. In vivo MRS studies demonstrated increases of Glu content in male rat's hippocampus in VPA and THAL groups, while the microdialysis, which allows examination of the contents in the extracellular space, detected decreases in the basal level of Gln concentrations in VPA and THAL groups. Ex vivo HPLC studies showed that levels of Glu, Gln and GABA significantly increased in male rat's hippocampus in the VPA and THAL groups, while NMR studies showed increased levels of Gln and GABA in the VPA group. Collectively, these results are consistent with the hypothesis suggesting the role of the glutamatergic disturbances on the pathogenesis of autism. For all methods used, the values of measured changes were in the same direction. The orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis confirmed that both animal models of autism tested here can be used to trace neurochemical changes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Zieminska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Toczylowska
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominik Diamandakis
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Hilgier
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Rafal Polowy
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Orzel
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Gorka
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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36
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Dórea JG. Multiple low-level exposures: Hg interactions with co-occurring neurotoxic substances in early life. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1863:129243. [PMID: 30385391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
All chemical forms of Hg can affect neurodevelopment; however, low levels of organic Hg (methylmercury-MeHg and ethylmercury-EtHg in Thimerosal-containing vaccines, hereafter 'TCV') exposures during early life (pregnancy and lactation) co-occur with other environmental neurotoxic substances. These neurotoxicants may act in parallel, synergistically, or antagonistically to Hg. Nevertheless, the risks of neurotoxicity associated with multiple neuro-toxicants depend on type, time, combinations of exposure, and environmental and/or genetic-associated factors. Neurological developmental disorders, delays in cognition and behavioral outcomes associated with multiple exposures (which include Hg) may show transient or lasting outcomes depending on constitutional and/or environmental factors that can interact to neutralize, aggravate or attenuate these effects; often these studies are challenging to interpret. During pregnancy and lactation, fish-MeHg exposure is frequently confounded with the opposing effects of neuroactive nutrients (in fish) that lead to positive, negative, or no effects on neurobehavioral tests. In infancy, exposures to acute binary mixtures (TCV- EtHg and Al-adjuvants in infant immunizations) are associated with increased risks of tics and other developmental disorders. Despite the certitude that promulgates single environmental neurotoxicants, empirical comparisons of combined exposures indicate that Hg-related outcome is uneven. Hg in combination with other neurotoxic mixtures may elevate risks of neurotoxicity, but these risks arise in circumstances that are not yet predictable. Therefore, to achieve the goals of the Minamata treaty and to safeguard the health of children, low levels of mercury exposure (in any chemical form) needs to be further reduced whether the source is environmental (air- and food-borne) or iatrogenic (pediatric TCVs).
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil..
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Valayi S, Eftekharian MM, Taheri M, Alikhani MY. Evaluation of antibodies to cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in patients with autism spectrum disorder. Hum Antibodies 2018; 26:165-169. [PMID: 29689713 DOI: 10.3233/hab-180335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disease that manifested by a wide range of behavioral disorders. Although the etiology of autism is remained unknown but it is suggested that ASD have a complex etiology, including genetic and environmental factors, which may explain the observed different behavioral disorders in these patients. One of the proposed reasons for autism is viral infection in the early stages of development. The mechanism by which viral infection could lead to autism is still unclear.Previous studiesemphasized on the role of family membersof Herpesviruses in autism susceptibility. In this study, anti-Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies in the serum of 45 children with autism and 45 healthy individuals were evaluated. Serum samples were isolated from 5 ml blood of the patients and controls. Sandwich ELISA was used to quantitatively measure antibodies against the mentioned viruses. Results analyzed by SPSS software showed an increased amount of anti-CMV IgG and IgM antibodies in the blood of patients with Autism but not statistically significant (P< 0.05). The anti-EBV IgM antibody in the blood of patients with Autism was not only increased but also statistically significant (P< 0.05), however, the IgG level against EBV in the serum of ASD patients showed no significant difference in comparison to healthy controls. So it can be said that although the mechanisms of viral infection in autism is unknown, but probably EBV infection is associated with an increased risk of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Valayi
- Islamic Azad University, Hamadan Branch, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Taheri
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Agrawal S, Rao SC, Bulsara MK, Patole SK. Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preterm Infants: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-0134. [PMID: 30076190 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Evidence is emerging that preterm infants are at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of ASD in preterm infants. DATA SOURCES Medline (via PubMed and Ovid), Embase, PsycINFO, and relevant conference proceedings were searched in May 2017. STUDY SELECTION Original studies in which researchers report on the prevalence of ASD using diagnostic tests in children born preterm were included. Studies in which researchers used only ASD screening tools were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION Relevant data were extracted independently by 3 authors. RESULTS Researchers in a total of 18 studies (3366 preterm infants) used ASD diagnostic tools. The median gestation, birth weight, and age at assessment were 28.0 weeks (range: 25.1-31.3 weeks), 1055 g (range: 719-1565 g), and 5.7 years (range: 1.5-21 years), respectively. Meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence rate for ASD was 7% (95% confidence interval: 4% to 9%). The funnel plot and Egger's test revealed that there was probably no evidence of publication bias. LIMITATIONS The limitations were significant heterogeneity and a lack of studies from middle- and low-income countries. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of ASD is significantly high in the preterm population. Adequate resources are needed to improve the outcomes of these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Agrawal
- Neonatal Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women and Perth Children Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shripada C Rao
- Neonatal Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women and Perth Children Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; .,School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia; and
| | - Max K Bulsara
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sanjay K Patole
- Neonatal Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women and Perth Children Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia; and
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Smith-Young J, Murray C, Swab M. Parents' and guardians' experiences of barriers and facilitators in accessing autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services for their children: a systematic review protocol of qualitative evidence. JBI DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND IMPLEMENTATION REPORTS 2018; 16:1141-1146. [PMID: 29762307 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2017-003437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
REVIEW QUESTION What are parents' and guardians' experiences of barriers and facilitators in accessing autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services for their children?
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Smith-Young
- School of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
- Memorial University School of Nursing Collaboration for Evidence-Based Nursing and Primary Health Care: A Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group
| | - Cynthia Murray
- School of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
- Memorial University School of Nursing Collaboration for Evidence-Based Nursing and Primary Health Care: A Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group
| | - Michelle Swab
- Health Sciences Library, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
- Memorial University School of Nursing Collaboration for Evidence-Based Nursing and Primary Health Care: A Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group
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Chirumbolo S, Bjørklund G. Vaccination is fundamental but can it escape from a more insightful and critical information about its action? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 55:8-13. [PMID: 28800561 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy; Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy; Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
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