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Ni HC, Chen YL, Lin HY. Feasibility and Tolerability of Daily Theta Burst Stimulation in Autistic Youth with Intellectual Disabilities and Minimally Speaking Status: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06477-1. [PMID: 39153149 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Scarce clinical trials involving autistic people with intellectual disability (ID) and minimally speaking (MS) status have been a substantial unmet research need in the field. Although earlier studies have demonstrated the feasibility and beneficial potentials of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in intellectually able autistic people, the feasibility and tolerability of applying rTMS in autistic people with ID/MS has never been studied. We conducted the world-first 4-week randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot trial to investigate the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS, a variant of excitatory rTMS) over the left DLPFC in autistic youth with ID/MS. 25 autistic youth with ID/MS (aged 8-30 years) were randomized to a 20-session 4-week daily iTBS (n = 13) vs. sham stimulation (n = 12) with follow-up 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, after the last stimulation. A retention rate was 100% in our study. Adverse events of local pain (38%) and dizziness (8%) were only noted in the active group. All adverse events were mild and transient. There were no seizures, new behavioral problems, or other severe/serious adverse events noted. No participants dropped out due to adverse events. With a small sample size, we did not find any beneficial signal of DLPFC iTBS. Our pilot data suggest regular daily TBS treatment for four weeks is feasible, well tolerated and safe in autistic youth with ID/MS. Future randomized controlled trials with sufficiently powered samples are needed to investigate the beneficial potential of rTMS/TBS for autistic people with ID/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Chang Ni
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, No.5 Fusing St. Gueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Yeh CH, Lin PC, Tseng RY, Chao YP, Wu CT, Chou TL, Chen RS, Gau SSF, Ni HC, Lin HY. Lack of effects of eight-week left dorsolateral prefrontal theta burst stimulation on white matter macro/microstructure and connection in autism. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:794-807. [PMID: 38492129 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Whether brain stimulation could modulate brain structure in autism remains unknown. This study explored the impact of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on white matter macro/microstructure in intellectually able children and emerging adults with autism. Sixty autistic participants were randomized (30 active) and received active or sham cTBS for eight weeks twice per week, 16 total sessions using a double-blind (participant-, rater-, analyst-blinded) design. All participants received high-angular resolution diffusion MR imaging at baseline and week 8. Twenty-eight participants in the active group and twenty-seven in the sham group with good imaging quality entered the final analysis. With longitudinal fixel-based analysis and network-based statistics, we found no significant difference between the active and sham groups in changes of white matter macro/microstructure and connections following cTBS. In addition, we found no association between baseline white matter macro/microstructure and autistic symptom changes from baseline to week 8 in the active group. In conclusion, we did not find a significant impact of left DLPFC cTBS on white matter macro/microstructure and connections in children and emerging adults with autism. These findings need to be interpreted in the context that the current intellectually able cohort in a single university hospital site limits the generalizability. Future studies are required to investigate if higher stimulation intensities and/or doses, other personal factors, or rTMS parameters might confer significant brain structural changes visible on MRI in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hung Yeh
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, No.5 Fusing St. Gueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chun Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, No.5 Fusing St. Gueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Rung-Yu Tseng
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Chao
- Deparment of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Te Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Li Chou
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rou-Shayn Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Chang Ni
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, No.5 Fusing St. Gueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Moppert S, Mercado E. Contributions of dysfunctional plasticity mechanisms to the development of atypical perceptual processing. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22504. [PMID: 38837411 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22504] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Experimental studies of sensory plasticity during development in birds and mammals have highlighted the importance of sensory experiences for the construction and refinement of functional neural circuits. We discuss how dysregulation of experience-dependent brain plasticity can lead to abnormal perceptual representations that may contribute to heterogeneous deficits symptomatic of several neurodevelopmental disorders. We focus on alterations of somatosensory processing and the dynamic reorganization of cortical synaptic networks that occurs during early perceptual development. We also discuss the idea that the heterogeneity of strengths and weaknesses observed in children with neurodevelopmental disorders may be a direct consequence of altered plasticity mechanisms during early development. Treating the heterogeneity of perceptual developmental trajectories as a phenomenon worthy of study rather than as an experimental confound that should be overcome may be key to developing interventions that better account for the complex developmental trajectories experienced by modern humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Moppert
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Eduardo Mercado
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Zoicas I, Licht C, Mühle C, Kornhuber J. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depressive-like symptoms in rodent animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105726. [PMID: 38762128 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105726] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) emerged as a non-invasive brain stimulation technique in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Both preclinical and clinical studies as well as systematic reviews provide a heterogeneous picture, particularly concerning the stimulation protocols used in rTMS. Here, we present a review of rTMS effects in rodent models of depressive-like symptoms with the aim to identify the most relevant factors that lead to an increased therapeutic success. The influence of different factors, such as the stimulation parameters (stimulus frequency and intensity, duration of stimulation, shape and positioning of the coil), symptom severity and individual characteristics (age, species and genetic background of the rodents), on the therapeutic success are discussed. Accumulating evidence indicates that rTMS ameliorates a multitude of depressive-like symptoms in rodent models, most effectively at high stimulation frequencies (≥5 Hz) especially in adult rodents with a pronounced pathological phenotype. The therapeutic success of rTMS might be increased in the future by considering these factors and using more standardized stimulation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Zoicas
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany.
| | - Christiane Licht
- Paracelsus Medical University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Str. 1, Nürnberg 90419, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany
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Xu X, Li F, Liu C, Wang Y, Yang Z, Xie G, Zhang T. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alleviates abnormal behavior in valproic acid rat model of autism through rescuing synaptic plasticity and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 240:173788. [PMID: 38734150 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with no effective treatment available currently. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is emerging as a promising neuromodulation technique to treat autism. However, the mechanism how rTMS works remains unclear, which restrict the clinical application of magnetic stimulation in the autism treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of low-frequency rTMS on the autistic-like symptoms and explored if this neuroprotective effect was associated with synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. A rat model of autism was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats and male offspring were treated with 1 Hz rTMS daily for two weeks continuously. Behavior tests were performed to identify behavioral abnormality. Synaptic plasticity was measured by in vivo electrophysiological recording and Golgi-Cox staining. Synapse and inflammation associated proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. Results showed prenatal VPA-exposed rats exhibited autistic-like and anxiety-like behaviors, and cognitive impairment. Synaptic plasticity deficits and the abnormality expression of synapse-associated proteins were found in the hippocampus of prenatal VPA-exposed rats. Prenatal VPA exposure increased the level of inflammation cytokines and promoted the excessive activation of microglia. rTMS significantly alleviated the prenatal VPA-induced abnormalities including behavioral and synaptic plasticity deficits, and excessive neuroinflammation. TMS maybe a potential strategy for autism therapy via rescuing synaptic plasticity and inhibiting neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, 300130 Tianjin, China; College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Fangjuan Li
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Guoming Xie
- Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, 315040 Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China.
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Yuan LX, Wang XK, Yang C, Zhang QR, Ma SZ, Zang YF, Dong WQ. A systematic review of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32251. [PMID: 38933955 PMCID: PMC11200348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined complex neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by persistent social communication and interaction deficit. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising and emerging tool for the intervention of ASD by reducing both core and associate symptoms. Several reviews have been published regarding TMS-based ASD treatment, however, a systematic review on study characteristics, specific stimulating parameters, localization techniques, stimulated targets, behavioral outcomes, and neuroimage biomarker changes is lagged behind since 2018. Here, we performed a systematic search on literatures published after 2018 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. After screening, the final systematic review included 17 articles, composing seven randomized controlled trial studies and ten open-label studies. Two studies are double-blind, while the other studies have a moderate to high risk of bias attributing to inadequate subject- and evaluator-blinding to treatment allocation. Five studies utilize theta-burst stimulation mode, and the others apply repetitive TMS with low frequency (five studies), high frequency (six studies), and combined low and high frequency stimulation (one study). Most researchers prioritize the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe as stimulation target, while parietal lobule, inferior parietal lobule, and posterior superior temporal sulci have also emerged as new targets of attention. One third of the studies use neuronavigation based on anatomical magnetic resonance imaging to locate the stimulation target. After TMS intervention, discernible enhancements across a spectrum of scales are evident in stereotyped behavior, repetitive behavior, and verbal social domains. A comprehensive review of literature spanning the last five years demonstrates the potential of TMS treatment for ASD in ameliorating the clinical core symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xia Yuan
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xing-Ke Wang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiu-Rong Zhang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sheng-Zhi Ma
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- TMS Center, Deqing Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Deqing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Dong
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Hou Y, Li Y, Yang D, Zhao Y, Feng T, Zheng W, Xian P, Liu X, Wu S, Wang Y. Involvement and regulation of the left anterior cingulate cortex in the ultrasonic communication deficits of autistic mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1387447. [PMID: 38813469 PMCID: PMC11133516 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1387447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of diseases often characterized by poor sociability and challenges in social communication. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a core brain region for social function. Whether it contributes to the defects of social communication in ASD and whether it could be physiologically modulated to improve social communication have been poorly investigated. This study is aimed at addressing these questions. Methods Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) mutant and valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD mice were used. Male-female social interaction was adopted to elicit ultrasonic vocalization (USV). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate USV-activated neurons. Optogenetic and precise target transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were utilized to modulate anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neuronal activity. Results In wild-type (WT) mice, USV elicited rapid expression of c-Fos in the excitatory neurons of the left but not the right ACC. Optogenetic inhibition of the left ACC neurons in WT mice effectively suppressed social-induced USV. In FMR1-/-- and VPA-induced ASD mice, significantly fewer c-Fos/CaMKII-positive neurons were observed in the left ACC following USV compared to the control. Optogenetic activation of the left ACC neurons in FMR1-/- or VPA-pretreated mice significantly increased social activity elicited by USV. Furthermore, precisely stimulating neuronal activity in the left ACC, but not the right ACC, by repeated TMS effectively rescued the USV emission in these ASD mice. Discussion The excitatory neurons in the left ACC are responsive to socially elicited USV. Their silence mediates the deficiency of social communication in FMR1-/- and VPA-induced ASD mice. Precisely modulating the left ACC neuronal activity by repeated TMS can promote the social communication in FMR1-/- and VPA-pretreated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Hou
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dingding Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Youyi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Engineering Research, Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tingwei Feng
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wei’an Zheng
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Panpan Xian
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xufeng Liu
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Afshari M, Gharibzadeh S, Pouretemad H, Roghani M. Reversing valproic acid-induced autism-like behaviors through a combination of low-frequency repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8082. [PMID: 38582936 PMCID: PMC10998842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58871-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a neurostimulation device used to modulate brain cortex activity. Our objective was to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of low-frequency repeated TMS (LF-rTMS) in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure through the injection of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). For the induction of ASD, we administered prenatal VPA (600 mg/kg, I.P.) on the 12.5th day of pregnancy. At postnatal day 30, SPIONs were injected directly into the lateral ventricle of the brain. Subsequently, LF-rTMS treatment was applied for 14 consecutive days. Following the treatment period, behavioral analyses were conducted. At postnatal day 60, brain tissue was extracted, and both biochemical and histological analyses were performed. Our data revealed that prenatal VPA exposure led to behavioral alterations, including changes in social interactions, increased anxiety, and repetitive behavior, along with dysfunction in stress coping strategies. Additionally, we observed reduced levels of SYN, MAP2, and BDNF. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in dendritic spine density in the hippocampal CA1 area. However, LF-rTMS treatment combined with SPIONs successfully reversed these dysfunctions at the behavioral, biochemical, and histological levels, introducing a successful approach for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Afshari
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriar Gharibzadeh
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Pouretemad
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Roghani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
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Yenkoyan K, Ounanian Z, Mirumyan M, Hayrapetyan L, Zakaryan N, Sahakyan R, Bjørklund G. Advances in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current and Promising Strategies. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1485-1511. [PMID: 37888815 PMCID: PMC11092563 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673252910230920151332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term for developmental disorders characterized by social and communication impairments, language difficulties, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Current management approaches for ASD aim to resolve its clinical manifestations based on the type and severity of the disability. Although some medications like risperidone show potential in regulating ASD-associated symptoms, a comprehensive treatment strategy for ASD is yet to be discovered. To date, identifying appropriate therapeutic targets and treatment strategies remains challenging due to the complex pathogenesis associated with ASD. Therefore, a comprehensive approach must be tailored to target the numerous pathogenetic pathways of ASD. From currently viable and basic treatment strategies, this review explores the entire field of advancements in ASD management up to cutting-edge modern scientific research. A novel systematic and personalized treatment approach is suggested, combining the available medications and targeting each symptom accordingly. Herein, summarize and categorize the most appropriate ways of modern ASD management into three distinct categories: current, promising, and prospective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Zadik Ounanian
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Margarita Mirumyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Liana Hayrapetyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Naira Zakaryan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Raisa Sahakyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Department of Research, Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
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10
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Parrella NF, Hill AT, Dipnall LM, Loke YJ, Enticott PG, Ford TC. Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:113-125. [PMID: 38016393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a prominent role in regulating neural development and function, with disruption to GABAergic signalling linked to behavioural phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Such neurochemical disruption, likely resulting from diverse genetic and molecular mechanisms, particularly during early development, can subsequently affect the cellular balance of excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits, which may account for the social processing difficulties observed in autism and related conditions. This comprehensive narrative review integrates diverse streams of research from several disciplines, including molecular neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience. In so doing it aims to elucidate the relevance of inhibitory dysfunction to autism, with specific focus on social processing difficulties that represent a core feature of this disorder. Many of the social processing difficulties experienced in autism have been linked to higher levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and/or lower levels of inhibitory GABA. While current therapeutic options for social difficulties in autism are largely limited to behavioural interventions, this review highlights the psychopharmacological studies that explore the utility of GABA modulation in alleviating such difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron T Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lillian M Dipnall
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Yuk Jing Loke
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Zhang S, Zou H, Zou X, Ke J, Zheng B, Chen X, Zhou X, Wei J. Transcriptome Sequencing of CeRNA Network Constructing in Status Epilepticus Mice Treated by Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:316-326. [PMID: 37133759 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02108-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
It is shown that great progress was recently made in the treatment of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for neurological and psychiatric diseases. This study aimed to address how rTMS exerted it therapeutic effects by regulating competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA. The distinction of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression in male status epilepticus (SE) mice treated by two different ways, low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS) vs. sham rTMS, was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out. Gene-Gene Cross Linkage Network was established; pivotal genes were screened out. qRT-PCR was used to verify gene-gene interactions. Our results showed that there were 1615 lncRNAs, 510 mRNAs, and 17 miRNAs differentially which were expressed between the LF-rTMS group and the sham rTMS group. The expression difference of these lncRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs by microarray detection were consistent with the results by qPCR. GO functional enrichment showed that immune-associated molecular mechanisms, biological processes, and GABA-A receptor activity played a role in SE mice treated with LF-rTMS. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were correlated to T cell receptor signaling pathway, primary immune deficiency and Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathway. Gene-gene cross linkage network was established on the basis of Pearson's correlation coefficient and miRNA. In conclusion, LF-rTMS alleviates SE through regulating the GABA-A receptor activity transmission, improving immune functions, and biological processes, suggesting the underlying ceRNA molecular mechanisms of LF-rTMS treatment for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaotian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shi Liu Gang Rd, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510315, China
| | - Huihui Zou
- Special Medical Service Center, Neuroscience Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shi Liu Gang Rd, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaopei Zou
- Special Medical Service Center, Neuroscience Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shi Liu Gang Rd, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaqia Ke
- Special Medical Service Center, Neuroscience Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shi Liu Gang Rd, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bofang Zheng
- Special Medical Service Center, Neuroscience Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shi Liu Gang Rd, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinrun Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510315, China
| | - Xianju Zhou
- Special Medical Service Center, Neuroscience Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shi Liu Gang Rd, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiana Wei
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, No.250 East Changgang Rd, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
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12
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Moghaddam AH, Eslami A, Jelodar SK, Ranjbar M, Hasantabar V. Preventive effect of quercetin-Loaded nanophytosome against autistic-like damage in maternal separation model: The possible role of Caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 and Nrf2. Behav Brain Res 2023; 441:114300. [PMID: 36642103 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The autism is an abnormality in the neuronal advance which starts before age 3 recognized by defective behaviors. This study aimed to make quercetin-loaded nanophytosomes (QNP) on behavioral deficits, cerebellar oxidative stress and apoptosis in an autistic-like model caused by maternal separation (MS). The newborn rats are randomly categorized into seven groups, including control, positive control, disease, and diseases treated with quercetin (10 and 40 mg/kg) and QNP (10 and 40 mg/kg). Pups exposed to MS for 3 h per day from postnatal days (PND) 1-9 showed behavioral impairment in adult rats compared to control group. The oral administration of quercetin and QNP was constantly started after the lactation period (21 postnatal days) for three weeks. Autistic-like behaviors, antioxidant parameters, and Nrf2, Bax/Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 expressions were surveyed in the cerebellum. Quercetin (40 mg/kg) treated improved some behavioral disorders. Also, the improvement of oxidative stress parameters, Nrf2 and apoptotic factors gene expression was observed in the cerebellum of quercetin (40 mg/kg) treated (p < 0.01). QNP treatment (10 and 40 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors, line crossing, and grooming index (p < 0.001), lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001), and increased catalase (CAT) (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (p < 0.001) activity, and glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, QNP significantly reduced Caspase-3 and Bax expression (p < 0.001), but increased Bcl-2, and Nrf2 expressions (p < 0.001). These findings indicated that QNP due to its high bioavailability was more effective than quercetin can be reduced autistic-like behavior, oxidative and apoptotic damages in the model of MS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Eslami
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | | | - Mojtaba Ranjbar
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Vahid Hasantabar
- Department of Organic Polymer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
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13
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Zheng J, Zhang W, Liu L, Hung Yap MK. Low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation promotes plasticity of the visual cortex in adult amblyopic rats. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1109735. [PMID: 36743805 PMCID: PMC9892759 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1109735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline of visual plasticity restricts the recovery of visual functions in adult amblyopia. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to be effective in treating adult amblyopia. However, the underlying mechanisms of rTMS on visual cortex plasticity remain unclear. In this study, we found that low-frequency rTMS reinstated the amplitude of visual evoked potentials, but did not influence the impaired depth perception of amblyopic rats. Furthermore, the expression of synaptic plasticity genes and the number of dendritic spines were significantly higher in amblyopic rats which received rTMS when compared with amblyopic rats which received sham stimulation, with reduced level of inhibition and perineuronal nets in visual cortex, as observed via molecular and histological investigations. The results provide further evidence that rTMS enhances functional recovery and visual plasticity in an adult amblyopic animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenqiu Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Wenqiu Zhang,
| | - Longqian Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Mansouri M, Pouretemad H, Bigdeli M, Ardalan M. Excessive audio-visual stimulation leads to impaired social behaviour with an effect on amygdala: Early life excessive exposure to digital devices in male rats. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:6174-6186. [PMID: 36215127 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15837] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Today, the effect of extreme early-life exposure to digital devices is suggested as a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the multitude of factors that influence brain development with subsequent behavioural abnormalities have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we simulated extreme early-life exposure to digital devices in rats by audio and visual stimulation and investigated its effects on autism-related behaviours and brain structural alteration. Male rat pups were exposed to excessive audio-visual stimulation (EAVS) from PND (post-natal day) 12 to PND 35, with and without maternal separation (MS). Autism-related behaviours including abnormal sociability, stereotype behaviours, anxiety and locomotor dysfunction were tested at PND 42. Brain structural alternation was examined by considering the amygdala, mPFC (medial prefrontal cortex) and hippocampal regions while performing 3D quantitative stereological analysis. We found that EAVS led to social behaviour deficit and higher locomotion in rats, which were associated with increases in the number of neurons and volume of the amygdala. We also showed that MS did not exaggerate the effect of extreme sensory stimulation on behaviour and the structure of the brain. This study proposed EAVS in rats as an animal model of early exposure to digital devices for investigating possible neurobiological alternations underlying autistic-like behaviours with an emphasis on the amygdala area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monireh Mansouri
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Pouretemad
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Bigdeli
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ardalan
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Translational Neuispschiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Effects of early life adversities upon memory processes and cognition in rodent models. Neuroscience 2022; 497:282-307. [PMID: 35525496 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to stressors in early postnatal life induces long-lasting modifications in brainfunction.Thisplasticity,an essential characteristic of the brain that enables adaptation to the environment, may also induce impairments in some psychophysiological functions, including learning and memory. Early life stress (ELS) has long-term effects on thehypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axisresponse to stressors, and has been reported to lead toneuroinflammation,altered levelsof neurotrophic factors, modifications inneurogenesis andsynaptic plasticity,with changes in neurotransmitter systems and network functioning. In this review, we focus on early postnatal stress in animal models and their effects on learning and memory.Many studies have reported ELS-induced impairments in different types of memories, including spatial memory, fear memory, recognition (both for objects and social) memory, working memory and reversal learning. Studies are not always in agreement, however, no effects, or sometimes facilitation, being reported, depending on the nature and intensity of the early intervention, as well as the age when the outcome was evaluated and the sex of the animals. When considering processes occurring after consolidation, related with memory maintenance or modification, there are a very reduced number of reports. Future studies addressing the mechanisms underlying memory changes for ELS should shed some light on the understanding of the different effects induced by stressors of different types and intensities on cognitive functions.
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16
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Zhang H, Huang X, Wang C, Liang K. Alteration of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with chronic insomnia: a combined transcranial magnetic stimulation-magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Sleep Med 2022; 92:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Jiao J, Tan L, Zhang Y, Li T, Tang X. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for insomnia in patients with autism spectrum disorder: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled clinical trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:977341. [PMID: 36245883 PMCID: PMC9554245 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.977341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia is the most common comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and seriously affects their rehabilitation and prognosis. Thus, an intervention targeting insomnia in ASD seems warranted. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a potentially effective treatment for improving sleep quality and optimizing sleep structure, has already been demonstrated to alleviate insomnia symptoms and sleep disturbance in different neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. This trial aims to investigate the effects of rTMS on insomnia in patients with ASD. METHOD This study is designed to be a double-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled trial with a target sample size of 30 participants (aged 3-13 years) diagnosed with ASD comorbid with insomnia. The intervention phase will comprise 20 sessions of rTMS or sham rTMS applied over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) within four consecutive weeks. The effect of rTMS on insomnia and other symptoms of ASD will be investigated through home-PSG (two consecutive overnights), sleep diary, CSHQ, CARS, ABC, SRS, RBS-R, and metabolomics analysis at baseline and posttreatment. A follow-up assessment 1 month after the intervention will examine the long-term effects. DISCUSSION The results of this study may address an important knowledge gap and may provide evidence for the use of rTMS to treat insomnia in ASD. Furthermore, it will elucidate the potential mechanism and link between sleep disorders and clinical symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is ongoing and has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100049266) on 28/07/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jiao
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Tan
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Taomei Li
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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18
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Hou Y, Zhao J, Yang D, Xuan R, Xie R, Wang M, Mo H, Liang L, Wang W, Wu S, Wang Y, Liu X. LF-rTMS ameliorates social dysfunction of FMR1 -/- mice via modulating Akt/GSK-3β signaling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 550:22-29. [PMID: 33677132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurological disorders which affect approximately 1% of children around the world. Social dysfunction is one of the two core syndromes of ASD, and still lacks effective treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive and safe procedure that uses magnetic fields to modulate neural activity. Whether it were effective in modulating social function remains unclear. By using 3-chamber test, ultrasonic vocalization recording and Western-blotting, we demonstrated that FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation protein) mutant mice, a model of ASD, exhibited obvious defects in social preference and ultrasonic communication. In addition, we detected increase of p-Akt (S473) and p-GSK-3β (S9), and decrease of p-PSD-95 (T19) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of FMR1-/- mice. Treating FMR1-/- mice with 1 Hz repetitive TMS (rTMS) exerted a long lasting effect in improving both the ultrasonic communication and social preference, as well as restoring the levels of Akt/GSK-3β activity and spine density in the FMR1-/-ACC. Our data, for the first time, demonstrated a beneficial effect of low frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS) on the social function of FMR1-/- mice and an involvement of Akt/GSK-3β signaling in this process, indicating LF-rTMS as a potential therapeutic strategy for ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Hou
- Department of Military Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Jiqian Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Dingding Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Runkang Xuan
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Rougang Xie
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Huiming Mo
- Department of Physiology, Medicine College of Yanan University, Yan'an, 716000, PR China
| | - Lirong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Engineering Research, Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Anethesiology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China.
| | - Xufeng Liu
- Department of Military Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China.
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19
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Ahmed OG, Shehata GA, Ali RM, Makboul R, Abd Allah ESH, Abd El-Rady NM. Folic acid ameliorates neonatal isolation-induced autistic like behaviors in rats: epigenetic modifications of BDNF and GFAP promotors. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2021; 46:964-975. [PMID: 33635721 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2020-0923] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigated the role of epigenetic dysregulation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) genes and oxidative stress as possible mechanisms of autistic-like behaviors in neonatal isolation model in rats and the impact of folic acid administration on these parameters. Forty Wistar albino pups were used as follows: control, folic acid administered, isolated, and isolated folic acid treated groups. Isolated pups were separated from their mothers for 90 min daily from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 11. Pups (isolated or control) received either the vehicle or folic acid (4 mg/kg/day) orally from PND 1 to 29. Behavioral tests were done from PND 30 to 35. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defense in the frontal cortex homogenate were determined. DNA methylation of BDNF and GFAP genes was determined by qPCR. Histopathological examination was carried out. Neonatal isolation produced autistic-like behaviors that were associated with BDNF and GFAP hypomethylation, increased oxidative stress, increased inflammatory cell infiltration, and structural changes in the frontal cortex. Folic acid administration concurrently with isolation reduced neonatal isolation-induced autistic-like behaviors, decreased oxidative stress, regained BDNF and GFAP gene methylation, and ameliorated structural changes in the frontal cortices of isolated folic acid treated rats. Novelty: Neonatal isolation induces "autistic-like" behavior and these behaviors are reversed by folic acid supplementation. Neonatal isolation induces DNA hypomethylation of BDNF and GFAP, increased oxidative stress markers, and neuroinflammation. All of these changes were reversed by daily folic acid supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omyma G Ahmed
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ghaydaa A Shehata
- Neurology and Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Rasha M Ali
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Rania Makboul
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman S H Abd Allah
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nessren M Abd El-Rady
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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20
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Dual Profile of Environmental Enrichment and Autistic-Like Behaviors in the Maternal Separated Model in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031173. [PMID: 33503967 PMCID: PMC7865216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental Enrichment (EE) has been suggested as a possible therapeutic intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Although the benefits of this therapeutic method have been reported in some animal models and human studies, the unknown pathophysiology of autism as well as number of conflicting results, urge for further examination of the therapeutic potential of EE in autism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of environmental enrichment on autism-related behaviors which were induced in the maternal separation (MS) animal model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Maternally separated (post-natal day (PND) 1-14, 3h/day) and control male rats were at weaning (PND21) age equally divided into rats housed in enriched environment and normal environment. At adolescence (PND42-50), the four groups were behaviorally tested for direct social interaction, sociability, repetitive behaviors, anxiety behavior, and locomotion. Following completion of the behavioral tests, the blood and brain tissue samples were harvested in order to assess plasma level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and structural plasticity of brain using ELISA and stereological methods respectively. RESULTS We found that environmental enrichment reduced repetitive behaviors but failed to improve the impaired sociability and anxiety behaviors which were induced by maternal separation. Indeed, EE exacerbated anxiety and social behaviors deficits in association with increased plasma BDNF level, larger volume of the hippocampus and infra-limbic region and higher number of neurons in the infra-limbic area (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that environmental enrichment has a significant improvement effect on the repetitive behavior as one of the core autistic-like behaviors induced by maternal separation but has negative effect on the anxiety and social behaviors which might have been modulated by BDNF.
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21
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Recovering from depression with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:393. [PMID: 33173042 PMCID: PMC7655822 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has gained growing interest for the treatment of major depression (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Most knowledge on rTMS comes from human studies as preclinical application has been problematic. However, recent optimization of rTMS in animal models has laid the foundations for improved translational studies. Preclinical studies have the potential to help identify optimal stimulation protocols and shed light on new neurobiological-based rationales for rTMS use. To assess existing evidence regarding rTMS effects on depressive-like symptoms in rodent models, we conducted a comprehensive literature search in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019157549). In addition, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine rTMS efficacy, performing subgroup analyses to examine the impact of different experimental models and neuromodulation parameters. Assessment of the depressive-like phenotype was quite homogeneous whilst rTMS parameters among the 23 included studies varied considerably. Most studies used a stress-induced model. Overall, results show a largely beneficial effect of active rTMS compared to sham stimulation, as reflected in the statistically significant recovery of both helplessness (SDM 1.34 [1.02;1.66]) and anhedonic (SDM 1.87 [1.02;2.72]) profiles. Improvement of the depressive-like phenotype was obtained in all included models and independently of rTMS frequency. Nonetheless, these results have limited predictive value for TRD patients as only antidepressant-sensitive models were used. Extending rTMS studies to other MDD models, corresponding to distinct endophenotypes, and to TRD models is therefore crucial to test rTMS efficacy and to develop cost-effective protocols, with the potential of yielding faster clinical responses in MDD and TRD.
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22
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Mansouri M, Pouretemad H, Roghani M, Wegener G, Ardalan M. Autistic-like behaviours and associated brain structural plasticity are modulated by oxytocin in maternally separated rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 393:112756. [PMID: 32535183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early psycho-social experiences influence the developing brain and possible onset of various neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is characterized by a variety of brain abnormalities, including alteration of oxytocin receptors in the brain. Recently, early life adverse experiences, such as maternal separation (MS), have been shown to constitute risk factors for ASD in preclinical studies. Therefore, the main aims of the current study were to i) explore the association between onset of autistic-like behaviours and molecular/structural changes in the brain following MS, and ii) evaluate the possible beneficial effects of oxytocin treatment on the same parameters. METHOD AND MATERIAL Male rats were exposed to the maternal separation from post-natal day (PND) 1 to PND14. After weaning, daily injections of oxytocin (1 mg/kg, ip) were administered (PND 22-30), followed by examination of autism-related behaviours at adolescence (PND 42-50). Brain structural plasticity was examined using stereological methods, and the plasma level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was analysed using ELISA. RESULTS We found that maternal separation induced autistic-like behaviours, which was associated with increase in the hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum (CA1.SR) volume. In addition, we observed increase in the infralimbic brain region volume and in the number of the pyramidal neurons in the same brain region. Maternal separation significantly increased the plasma BDNF levels. Treatment with oxytocin improved autistic like behaviours, normalized the number of neurons and the volume of the infralimbic region as well as the plasma BDNF level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Maternal separation induced autistic-like behaviours, brain structural impairment together with plasma BDNF level abnormality, which could be improved by oxytocin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monireh Mansouri
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran; Center of Excellence in Cognitivr Neuropsychology, Institue for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Pouretemad
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Roghani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; AUGUST Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Maryam Ardalan
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ford TC, Woods W, Enticott PG, Crewther DP. Cortical excitation-inhibition ratio mediates the effect of pre-attentive auditory processing deficits on interpersonal difficulties. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 98:109769. [PMID: 31676468 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence identify aberrant excitatory-inhibitory neural processes across autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, particularly within the psychosocial domain. Such neural processes include increased excitatory glutamate and reduced inhibitory GABA concentrations, which may affect auditory pre-attentive processing as indexed by the mismatch negativity (MMN); thus, an excitation-inhibition imbalance might lead to aberrant MMN, which might in turn drive the relationship between the MMN and psychosocial difficulties. This research has the potential to enhance the neurochemical understanding of the relationship between electrophysiology (MMN) and behavioural/clinical measures (psychosocial difficulties). Thirty-eight adults (18 male, 18-40 years) completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Glutamate and GABA concentrations in bilateral superior temporal cortex (STC) were quantified using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) while auditory MMN to a duration deviant was measured with magnetoencephalography. Spearman correlations probed the relationships between STC glutamate/GABA ratios, MMN amplitude and latency, and AQ and SPQ dimensions. Mediation effects of glutamate/GABA ratios on the relationship between MMN and AQ-SPQ dimensions were probed using causal mediation analysis. Only SPQ-interpersonal and AQ-communication were significantly correlated with right hemisphere glutamate/GABA ratios and MMN latency (ps < 0.05), which were themselves correlated (p = .035). Two mediation models were investigated, with right MMN latency as predictor and SPQ-interpersonal and AQ-communication as outcome variables. Right STC glutamate/GABA ratios significantly mediated the relationship between MMN latency and SPQ-interpersonal scores, but only partially mediated the relationship between MMN latency and AQ-communication scores. These findings support the growing body of literature pointing toward an excitation-inhibition imbalance that is central to psychosocial functioning across multi-dimensional spectrum disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia, and provides neurochemical indicators of the processes that underlie psychosocial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Will Woods
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - David P Crewther
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Zhang W, Zhang S, Zhu M, Tang J, Zhao X, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhang L, Xu H. Changes of Structural Brain Network Following Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Children With Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:617548. [PMID: 33520901 PMCID: PMC7844328 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.617548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) is the most common subtype of cerebral palsy (CP), which is characterized by various motor and cognitive impairments, as well as emotional instability. However, the neural basis of these problems and how repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can make potential impacts on the disrupted structural brain network in BSCP remain unclear. This study was aimed to explore the topological characteristics of the structural brain network in BSCP following the treatment of rTMS. Methods: Fourteen children with BSCP underwent 4 weeks of TMS and 15 matched healthy children (HC) were enrolled. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data were acquired from children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy before treatment (CP1), children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy following treatment (CP2) and HC. The graph theory analysis was applied to construct the structural brain network. Then nodal clustering coefficient (C i ) and shortest path length (L i ) were measured and compared among groups. Results: Brain regions with significant group differences in C i were located in the left precental gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, calcarine fissure, cuneus, lingual gyrus, postcentral gyrus, inferior parietal gyri, angular gyrus, precuneus, paracentral lobule and the right inferior frontal gyrus (triangular part), insula, posterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, paracentral lobule, pallidum. In addition, significant differences were detected in the L i of the left precental gyrus, lingual gyrus, superior occipital gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, precuneus and the right median cingulate gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, putamen, thalamus. Post hoc t-test revealed that the CP2 group exhibited increased C i in the right inferior frontal gyrus, pallidum and decreased L i in the right putamen, thalamus when compared with the CP1 group. Conclusion: Significant differences of node-level metrics were found in various brain regions of BSCP, which indicated a disruption in structural brain connectivity in BSCP. The alterations of the structural brain network provided a basis for understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of motor and cognitive impairments in BSCP. Moreover, the right inferior frontal gyrus, putamen, thalamus could potentially be biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of TMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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25
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Castrillon G, Sollmann N, Kurcyus K, Razi A, Krieg SM, Riedl V. The physiological effects of noninvasive brain stimulation fundamentally differ across the human cortex. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay2739. [PMID: 32064344 PMCID: PMC6994208 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay2739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method to modulate brain activity and behavior in humans. Still, stimulation effects substantially vary across studies and individuals, thereby restricting the large-scale application of TMS in research or clinical settings. We revealed that low-frequency stimulation had opposite impact on the functional connectivity of sensory and cognitive brain regions. Biophysical modeling then identified a neuronal mechanism underlying these region-specific effects. Stimulation of the frontal cortex decreased local inhibition and disrupted feedforward and feedback connections. Conversely, identical stimulation increased local inhibition and enhanced forward signaling in the occipital cortex. Last, we identified functional integration as a macroscale network parameter to predict the region-specific effect of stimulation in individual subjects. In summary, we revealed how TMS modulation critically depends on the connectivity profile of target regions and propose an imaging marker to improve sensitivity of noninvasive brain stimulation for research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Castrillon
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Instituto de Alta Tecnología Médica, 050026 Medellin, Colombia
| | - Nico Sollmann
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Kurcyus
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Adeel Razi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, 3168 VIC, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, 3168 VIC, Australia
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, WC1N 3AR London, UK
- Department of Electronic Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, 75270 Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sandro M. Krieg
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Valentin Riedl
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Corresponding author.
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26
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Sadeghi S, Pouretemad H, Khosrowabadi R, Fathabadi J, Nikbakht S. Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence for parent training in young children with autism symptoms and excessive screen-time. Asian J Psychiatr 2019; 45:7-12. [PMID: 31430692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the relationship between excessive screen time and autism symptoms. Unfortunately, there are no studies that evaluated the interventions for children with autism symptoms and excessive screen-time. This paper is a preliminary attempt to examine the effects of parent training on the duration of screen-time, repetitive behaviors and brain electrophysiological characteristics in young children with subthreshold autism symptoms and excessive screen time. Results showed that after the 2 months' parent-child interaction, children's screen-time and repetitive behaviors decreased and EEG ratio power in some channels changed. Our findings suggest that parent training have positive effects on young children with excessive screen-time and autism symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Sadeghi
- Dept. of Clinical & Health Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Pouretemad
- Dept. of Clinical & Health Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Khosrowabadi
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Jalil Fathabadi
- Department of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sedighe Nikbakht
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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27
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) it is possible to change cortical excitability of the visual cortex, and to influence binocular balance. The main goal of our study is to assess the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation, specifically theta burst stimulation (TBS), in a group of amblyopic volunteers measuring several visual parameters: visual acuity, suppressive imbalance, and stereoacuity. METHODS Thirteen volunteers aged 19 to 24 years, randomly split in 2 groups, underwent 1 session of continuous TBS, stimulating the right occipital lobe. The first group with 8 volunteers was exposed to active stimulation with cTBS, and the other group with 5 volunteers was exposed to placebo stimulation. RESULTS Significant improvements in visual acuity, suppressive imbalance, and stereoacuity were found in the amblyopic eye after cTBS. The average value of amblyopia in visual acuity before stimulation was 0.32 ± 0.20 logMar and after cTBS was 0.19 ± 0.17 logMar. The mean value for the control group before placebo stimulation was 0.28 ± 0.17 and after placebo stimulation was 0.28 ± 0.16. The suppressive imbalance in the group of amblyope subjects stimulated before cTBS was 0.26 ± 0.18 and after was 0.12 ± 0.12; the suppressive imbalance of the control group before the placebo stimulation was 0.34 ± 0.37 and after was 0.32 ± 0.40. CONCLUSIONS Visual acuity, suppressive imbalance, and stereoacuity had significant enhancements compared with baseline after cTBS over the right occipital lobe in an ambliopic population.
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28
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Sayed Javad Javaheri ES, Bigdeli MR, Zibaii MI, Dargahi L, Pouretemad HR. Optogenetic Stimulation of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex Ameliorates Autistic-Like Behaviors in Rats Induced by Neonatal Isolation, Caudate Putamen as a Site for Alteration. Neuromolecular Med 2019; 21:132-142. [PMID: 30784006 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-019-08526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic agents, such as neonatal isolation during neurodevelopmental period of life, can change various regions of the brain. It may further induce psychological disorders such as autistic-like phenomena. This study indicated the role of chronic increased anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) output on alteration of caudate putamen (CPu) as a main behavior regulator region of the brain in adult maternal deprived (MD) rats. For making an animal model, neonates were isolated from their mothers in postnatal days (PND 1-10, 3 h/day). Subsequently, they bilaterally received pLenti-CaMKIIa-hChR2 (H134R)-mCherry-WPRE virus in ACC area via stereotaxic surgery in PND50. After 22 days, these regions were exposed to blue laser (473 nm) for six consecutive days (15 min/day). Then, behavioral deficits were tested and were compared with control group in the following day. Animals were immediately killed and their brains were prepared for tissue processing. Results showed that neonatal isolation induces autistic-like behaviors and leads to overexpression of NMDAR1 and Nox2-gp91phox proteins and elevation of catalase activity in the CPu regions of the adult offspring compared with control group. Chronic optogenetic stimulation of ACC neurons containing (ChR2+) led to significant reduction in the appearance of stereotypical behavior and alien-phobia in MD rats. The amount of NMDAR1 and Nox2-gp91phox expression and the catalase activity in CPu were reduced after this treatment. Therefore, autistic-like behavior seems to be related with elevation of NMDAR1 and Nox2-gp91phox protein levels that enhance the effect of glutamatergic projection on CPu regions. Optogenetic treatment also could ameliorate behavioral deficits by modulating these protein densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Sadat Sayed Javad Javaheri
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, IR, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Bigdeli
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, IR, Iran.
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Leila Dargahi
- NeuroBiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Feng J, Zhang Q, Zhang C, Wen Z, Zhou X. The Effect of sequential bilateral low-frequency rTMS over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on serum level of BDNF and GABA in patients with primary insomnia. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01206. [PMID: 30609300 PMCID: PMC6379591 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of sequential bilateral low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on patients with primary insomnia (PI). METHODS A total of 32 eligible right-handed participants diagnosed by PI according to International classification of sleep disorders (ICD-3) were recruited into this study. Participants received 10 daily sessions of sequential bilateral 1 Hz rTMS over DLPFC. Before and after the whole procedure of rTMS, patients were assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for the severity of sleep disturbance. Meanwhile, serum concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in patients was measured by ELISA and UPLC, respectively. Moreover, the amplitude of MEPs reflecting the right cortical excitability was examined. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation among the change of these variables. RESULTS After rTMS treatment, the PSQI score was markedly decreased as compared to pre-rTMS; the concentrations of serum BDNF and GABA were significantly higher; the amplitude of MEPs was markedly reduced. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the change of PSQI score was negatively associated with the alteration of serum BDNF level and serum GABA level, and positively associated with the change of MEPs amplitude; the change of MEPs amplitude was negatively associated with fold change in the serum BDNF level and the serum GABA level; the increase in serum GABA level was positively associated with the serum BDNF level. CONCLUSIONS A sequential bilateral low-frequency rTMS over DLPFC significantly improves primary insomnia probably by increasing the level of BDNF and GABA in the brain and reducing cortical excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Feng
- Department of NeurologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Qing Zhang
- Laboratory of Neurological, Department of Neurology, Changzhou No.2 People’s HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Chengliang Zhang
- Laboratory of Neurological, Department of Neurology, Changzhou No.2 People’s HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Zhongmin Wen
- Department of NeurologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xianju Zhou
- Laboratory of Neurological, Department of Neurology, Changzhou No.2 People’s HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
- Department of Neurology, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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30
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Wang X, Tao J, Qiao Y, Luo S, Zhao Z, Gao Y, Guo J, Kong J, Chen C, Ge L, Zhang B, Guo P, Liu L, Song Y. Gastrodin Rescues Autistic-Like Phenotypes in Valproic Acid-Induced Animal Model. Front Neurol 2018; 9:1052. [PMID: 30581411 PMCID: PMC6293267 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an immensely challenging developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, restricted/repetitive behavior, and anxiety. GABAergic dysfunction has been postulated to underlie these autistic symptoms. Gastrodin is widely used clinically in the treatment of neurological disorders and showed to modulate GABAergic signaling in the animal brain. The present study aimed to determine whether treatment with gastrodin can rescue valproic acid (VPA) induced autistic-like phenotypes, and to determine its possible mechanism of action. Our results showed that administration of gastrodin effectively alleviated the autistic-associated behavioral abnormalities as reflected by an increase in social interaction and decrement in repetitive/stereotyped behavior and anxiety in mice as compared to those in untreated animals. Remarkably, the amelioration in autistic-like phenotypes was accompanied by the restoration of inhibitory synaptic transmission, α5 GABAA receptor, and type 1 GABA transporter (GAT1) expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of VPA-treated mice. These findings indicate that gastrodin may alleviate the autistic symptoms caused by VPA through regulating GABAergic synaptic transmission, suggesting that gastrodin may be a potential therapeutic target in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yidan Qiao
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuying Luo
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqin Zhao
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinbo Gao
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jisheng Guo
- Center for Translational Medicine, The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinghui Kong
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chongfen Chen
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lili Ge
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengbo Guo
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinsen Song
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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