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Gomes NS, Fiorenza NG, Monteiro CEDS, Silva FGO, das Candeias R, Saldanha LC, Sabino SMDV, Castro HIR, Soares PMG, Macêdo DS. Age and sex-dependent gut alterations in mice induced by neonatal immune activation with lipopolysaccharide. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 395:578424. [PMID: 39128432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Neonatal immune activation (NIA) through exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces adult behavioral changes in rodents that resemble symptoms of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. The neonatal timing of LPS exposure appears to play a crucial role in determining the nature and extent of long-term changes. This study aims to explore whether a 3-day LPS-NIA triggers sex- and age-related changes in gut function, potentially linking LPS-NIA to gastrointestinal dysfunction. Male and female Swiss mice received intraperitoneal injections of LPS or saline on postnatal days (PN) 3, 5, and 7. At PN35 (juvenile) and PN70 (adult), gut inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated in addition to assessments of working memory, depressive-like symptoms, sociability, and repetitive behavior. Gut examination showed elevated C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) in LPS-NIA mice, while MyD88 and Zonulin expressions were significantly higher only in adult LPS-NIA females. Interleukin (IL)-23 expression increased in juvenile and adult male and juvenile female LPS-NIA mice. Oxidative changes included decreased duodenal reduced glutathione (GSH) in juvenile females and ileal GSH in adult females exposed to LPS-NIA. Regarding behavioral alterations, adult LPS-NIA females exhibited depressive-like behavior. Working memory deficits were observed across all LPS-NIA groups. Only juvenile LPS-NIA females increased grooming, while rearing was higher in adult LPS-NIA mice of both sexes. The findings imply that LPS-NIA impacts intestinal barrier function and causes gut inflammatory alterations that are sex- and age-specific. These findings pave the way for exploring potential mechanisms that could contribute to LPS-induced gastrointestinal disturbances among individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana Soares Gomes
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Natália Gindri Fiorenza
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo da Silva Monteiro
- LEFFAG- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology Study of Gastrointestinal Tract, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisca Géssica Oliveira Silva
- LEFFAG- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology Study of Gastrointestinal Tract, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Raimunda das Candeias
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Lucas Calixto Saldanha
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Suellen Monike do Vale Sabino
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Hoanna Izabely Rego Castro
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro Marcos Gomes Soares
- LEFFAG- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology Study of Gastrointestinal Tract, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Macêdo
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Liu S, Xi H, Xue X, Sun X, Huang H, Fu D, Mi Y, He Y, Yang P, Tang Y, Zheng P. Clostridium butyricum regulates intestinal barrier function via trek1 to improve behavioral abnormalities in mice with autism spectrum disorder. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:95. [PMID: 39034406 PMCID: PMC11265103 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that has been found to be associated with dysregulation of gastrointestinal functions and gut microbial homeostasis (the so-called "gut-brain axis"). ASD is often accompanied by poor performances in social interaction and repetitive behaviors. Studies on the gut-brain axis provide novel insights and candidate targets for ASD therapeutics and diagnosis. Based on the ASD mice model, this work aims to reveal the mechanisms behind the interaction of intestinal barrier function and probiotics in ASD mouse models. RESULTS We found an altered intestinal barrier in both BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) and valproic acid (VPA) mice, including increased intestinal permeability, decreased expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (claudin1, claudin3, and occludin), and increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Based on intestinal microbial alternation, C. butyricum can drive reduced expression of histone deacetylases 1 (HDAC1) and enhanced intestinal barrier function, significantly promoting behavioral abnormalities of ASD in BTBR mice. In parallel, we confirmed that C. butyricum was involved in the regulation of intestinal function by the Trek1 channel, indicating that it is a target of C. butyricum/butyric acid to improve intestinal barrier function in ASD mice. CONCLUSIONS Our finding provides solid evidence for the gut microbiota involved in ASD through the brain-gut axis. In addition, the probiotics C. butyricum hold promise to improve gut health and ameliorate behavioral abnormalities associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Liu
- Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Xiangyu Medical CO., LTD, Anyang, 456300, Henan, China.
| | - Huayuan Xi
- Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xia Xue
- Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiangdong Sun
- Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Huang Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Dongjun Fu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yongzheng He
- Xiangyu Medical CO., LTD, Anyang, 456300, Henan, China
| | - Pingchang Yang
- Brain Body Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Youcai Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Pengyuan Zheng
- Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Heidari H, Lawrence DA. An integrative exploration of environmental stressors on the microbiome-gut-brain axis and immune mechanisms promoting neurological disorders. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38994870 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2024.2378406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome-gut-brain axis is altered by environmental stressors such as heat, diet, and pollutants as well as microbes in the air, water, and soil. These stressors might alter the host's microbiome and symbiotic relationship by modifying the microbial composition or location. Compartmentalized mutualistic microbes promote the beneficial interactions in the host leading to circulating metabolites and hormones such as insulin and leptin that affect inter-organ functions. Inflammation and oxidative stress induced by environmental stressors may alter the composition, distribution, and activities of the microbes in the microbiomes such that the resultant metabolite and hormone changes are no longer beneficial. The microbiome-gut-brain axis and immune adverse changes that may accompany environmental stressors are reviewed for effects on innate and adaptive immune cells, which may make host immunity less responsive to pathogens and more reactive to self-antigens. Cardiovascular and fluid exchanges to organs might adversely alter organ functionality. Organs, especially the brain, need a consistent supply of nutrients and clearance of debris; disruption of these exchanges by stressors, and involvement of gut microbiome are discussed regarding neural dysfunctions with Alzheimer's disease, autistic spectrum disorders, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. The focus of this review includes the manner in which environmental stressors may disrupt gut microbiota leading to adverse immune and hormonal influences on development of neuropathology related to hyperhomocysteinemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress, and how certain therapeutics may be beneficial. Strategies are explored to lessen detrimental effects of environmental stressors on central and peripheral health navigated toward (1) understanding neurological disorders and (2) promoting environmental and public health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Heidari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - David A Lawrence
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA
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Frye RE, Rincon N, McCarty PJ, Brister D, Scheck AC, Rossignol DA. Biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 197:106520. [PMID: 38703861 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106520] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 36 children and is associated with physiological abnormalities, most notably mitochondrial dysfunction, at least in a subset of individuals. This systematic review and meta-analysis discovered 204 relevant articles which evaluated biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD individuals. Significant elevations (all p < 0.01) in the prevalence of lactate (17%), pyruvate (41%), alanine (15%) and creatine kinase (9%) were found in ASD. Individuals with ASD had significant differences (all p < 0.01) with moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen's d' ≥ 0.6) compared to controls in mean pyruvate, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, ATP, and creatine kinase. Some studies found abnormal TCA cycle metabolites associated with ASD. Thirteen controlled studies reported mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions or variations in the ASD group in blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, leucocytes, granulocytes, and brain. Meta-analyses discovered significant differences (p < 0.01) in copy number of mtDNA overall and in ND1, ND4 and CytB genes. Four studies linked specific mtDNA haplogroups to ASD. A series of studies found a subgroup of ASD with elevated mitochondrial respiration which was associated with increased sensitivity of the mitochondria to physiological stressors and neurodevelopmental regression. Lactate, pyruvate, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, carnitine, and acyl-carnitines were associated with clinical features such as delays in language, social interaction, cognition, motor skills, and with repetitive behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms, although not all studies found an association. Lactate, carnitine, acyl-carnitines, ATP, CoQ10, as well as mtDNA variants, heteroplasmy, haplogroups and copy number were associated with ASD severity. Variability was found across biomarker studies primarily due to differences in collection and processing techniques as well as the intrinsic heterogeneity of the ASD population. Several studies reported alterations in mitochondrial metabolism in mothers of children with ASD and in neonates who develop ASD. Treatments targeting mitochondria, particularly carnitine and ubiquinol, appear beneficial in ASD. The link between mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD and common physiological abnormalities in individuals with ASD including gastrointestinal disorders, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction is outlined. Several subtypes of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD are discussed, including one related to neurodevelopmental regression, another related to alterations in microbiome metabolites, and another related to elevations in acyl-carnitines. Mechanisms linking abnormal mitochondrial function with alterations in prenatal brain development and postnatal brain function are outlined. Given the multisystem complexity of some individuals with ASD, this review presents evidence for the mitochondria being central to ASD by contributing to abnormalities in brain development, cognition, and comorbidities such as immune and gastrointestinal dysfunction as well as neurodevelopmental regression. A diagnostic approach to identify mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD is outlined. From this evidence, it is clear that many individuals with ASD have alterations in mitochondrial function which may need to be addressed in order to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. The fact that alterations in mitochondrial metabolism may be found during pregnancy and early in the life of individuals who eventually develop ASD provides promise for early life predictive biomarkers of ASD. Further studies may improve the understanding of the role of the mitochondria in ASD by better defining subgroups and understanding the molecular mechanisms driving some of the unique changes found in mitochondrial function in those with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Patrick J McCarty
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70113, United States of America.
| | | | - Adrienne C Scheck
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States of America.
| | - Daniel A Rossignol
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rossignol Medical Center, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
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Zhang S, Yang J, Ji D, Meng X, Zhu C, Zheng G, Glessner J, Qu HQ, Cui Y, Liu Y, Wang W, Li X, Zhang H, Xiu Z, Sun Y, Sun L, Li J, Hakonarson H, Li J, Xia Q. NASP gene contributes to autism by epigenetic dysregulation of neural and immune pathways. J Med Genet 2024; 61:677-688. [PMID: 38443156 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics makes substantial contribution to the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may harbour a unique opportunity to prevent the development of ASD. We aimed to identify novel epigenetic genes involved in ASD aetiology. METHODS Trio-based whole exome sequencing was conducted on ASD families. Genome editing technique was used to knock out the candidate causal gene in a relevant cell line. ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq were performed to investigate the functional impact of knockout (KO) or mutation in the candidate gene. RESULTS We identified a novel candidate gene NASP (nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein) for epigenetic dysregulation in ASD in a Chinese nuclear family including one proband with autism and comorbid atopic disease. The de novo likely gene disruptive variant tNASP(Q289X) subjects the expression of tNASP to nonsense-mediated decay. tNASP KO increases chromatin accessibility, promotes the active promoter state of genes enriched in synaptic signalling and leads to upregulated expression of genes in the neural signalling and immune signalling pathways. Compared with wild-type tNASP, tNASP(Q289X) enhances chromatin accessibility of the genes with enriched expression in the brain. RNA-seq revealed that genes involved in neural and immune signalling are affected by the tNASP mutation, consistent with the phenotypic impact and molecular effects of nasp-1 mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans. Two additional patients with ASD were found carrying deletion or deleterious mutation in the NASP gene. CONCLUSION We identified novel epigenetic mechanisms mediated by tNASP which may contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD and its immune comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipeng Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dandan Ji
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyi Meng
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chonggui Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin (NSCC-TJ), Tianjin, China
| | - Joseph Glessner
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hui-Qi Qu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuechen Cui
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yichuan Liu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- The Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumei Li
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhanjie Xiu
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianghua Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Wikarska A, Roszak K, Roszek K. Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Purinergic Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Bridging the Gap between Cell-Based Strategies and Neuro-Immune Modulation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1310. [PMID: 38927517 PMCID: PMC11201695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still increasing, which means that this neurodevelopmental lifelong pathology requires special scientific attention and efforts focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches. It has become increasingly evident that neuroinflammation and dysregulation of neuro-immune cross-talk are specific hallmarks of ASD, offering the possibility to treat these disorders by factors modulating neuro-immunological interactions. Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has already been postulated as one of the therapeutic approaches for ASD; however, less is known about the molecular mechanisms of stem cell influence. One of the possibilities, although still underestimated, is the paracrine purinergic activity of MSCs, by which stem cells ameliorate inflammatory reactions. Modulation of adenosine signaling may help restore neurotransmitter balance, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve overall brain function in individuals with ASD. In our review article, we present a novel insight into purinergic signaling, including but not limited to the adenosinergic pathway and its role in neuroinflammation and neuro-immune cross-talk modulation. We anticipate that by achieving a greater understanding of the purinergic signaling contribution to ASD and related disorders, novel therapeutic strategies may be devised for patients with autism in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katarzyna Roszek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (A.W.); (K.R.)
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Lee SH, Jeon JJ, Lee WS, Lee S. Autoimmune Connective Tissue and Dermatologic Diseases in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)01503-3. [PMID: 38871023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hoon Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Joon Jeon
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Soo Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Solam Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
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El-Ansary A, Alfawaz HA, Bacha AB, Al-Ayadhi LY. Combining Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies, Anti-Histone, and PLA2/COX Biomarkers to Increase Their Diagnostic Accuracy for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2024; 14:576. [PMID: 38928576 PMCID: PMC11201962 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Oxidative stress may be a critical link between mitochondrial dysfunction and ASD as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from pro-oxidant environmental toxicants and activated immune cells can result in mitochondrial failure. Recently, mitochondrial dysfunction, autoimmunity, and abnormal lipid mediators have been identified in multiple investigations as an acknowledged etiological mechanism of ASD that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. METHODS The relationship between lipid mediator markers linked to inflammation induction, such as phospholipase A2/cyclooxygenase-2 (PLA2/Cox-2), and the mitochondrial dysfunction marker anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA-M2), and anti-histone autoantibodies in the etiology of ASD was investigated in this study using combined receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. This study also sought to identify the linear combination for a given set of markers that optimizes the partial area under ROC curves. This study included 40 age- and sex-matched controls and 40 ASD youngsters. The plasma of both groups was tested for PLA2/COX-2, AMA-M2, and anti-histone autoantibodies' levels using ELISA kits. ROC curves and logistic regression models were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS Using the integrated ROC curve analysis, a notable rise in the area under the curve was noticed. Additionally, the combined markers had markedly improved specificity and sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS The current study suggested that measuring the predictive value of selected biomarkers related to mitochondrial dysfunction, autoimmunity, and lipid metabolism in children with ASD using a ROC curve analysis could lead to a better understanding of the etiological mechanism of ASD as well as its relationship with metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Center, Lotus Holistic Alternative Medical Center, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 110281, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hanan A. Alfawaz
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abir Ben Bacha
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Laila Y. Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
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Osman HC, Moreno R, Rose D, Rowland ME, Ciernia AV, Ashwood P. Impact of maternal immune activation and sex on placental and fetal brain cytokine and gene expression profiles in a preclinical model of neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:118. [PMID: 38715090 PMCID: PMC11077729 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal inflammation during gestation is associated with a later diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the specific impact of maternal immune activation (MIA) on placental and fetal brain development remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MIA by analyzing placental and brain tissues obtained from the offspring of pregnant C57BL/6 dams exposed to polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly I: C) on embryonic day 12.5. Cytokine and mRNA content in the placenta and brain tissues were assessed using multiplex cytokine assays and bulk-RNA sequencing on embryonic day 17.5. In the placenta, male MIA offspring exhibited higher levels of GM-CSF, IL-6, TNFα, and LT-α, but there were no differences in female MIA offspring. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the placental tissues of MIA offspring were found to be enriched in processes related to synaptic vesicles and neuronal development. Placental mRNA from male and female MIA offspring were both enriched in synaptic and neuronal development terms, whereas females were also enriched for terms related to excitatory and inhibitory signaling. In the fetal brain of MIA offspring, increased levels of IL-28B and IL-25 were observed with male MIA offspring and increased levels of LT-α were observed in the female offspring. Notably, we identified few stable MIA fetal brain DEG, with no male specific difference whereas females had DEG related to immune cytokine signaling. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that MIA contributes to the sex- specific abnormalities observed in ASD, possibly through altered neuron developed from exposure to inflammatory cytokines. Future research should aim to investigate how interactions between the placenta and fetal brain contribute to altered neuronal development in the context of MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadley C Osman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Moreno
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Destanie Rose
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Megan E Rowland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Annie Vogel Ciernia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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10
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Long J, Dang H, Su W, Moneruzzaman M, Zhang H. Interactions between circulating inflammatory factors and autism spectrum disorder: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study in European population. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1370276. [PMID: 38742104 PMCID: PMC11089225 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1370276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Extensive observational studies have reported an association between inflammatory factors and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but their causal relationships remain unclear. This study aims to offer deeper insight into causal relationships between circulating inflammatory factors and ASD. Methods Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method was used in this study. The genetic variation of 91 circulating inflammatory factors was obtained from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) database of European ancestry. The germline GWAS summary data for ASD were also obtained (18,381 ASD cases and 27,969 controls). Single nucleotide polymorphisms robustly associated with the 91 inflammatory factors were used as instrumental variables. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary analysis, and the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied. Sensitivity tests were carried out to assess the validity of the causal relationship. Results The forward MR analysis results suggest that levels of sulfotransferase 1A1, natural killer cell receptor 2B4, T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5, Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand are positively associated with the occurrence of ASD, while levels of interleukin-7, interleukin-2 receptor subunit beta, and interleukin-2 are inversely associated with the occurrence of ASD. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase-10, caspase 8, tumor necrosis factor-related activation-induced cytokine, and C-C motif chemokine 19 were considered downstream consequences of ASD. Conclusion This MR study identified additional inflammatory factors in patients with ASD relative to previous studies, and raised a possibility of ASD-caused immune abnormalities. These identified inflammatory factors may be potential biomarkers of immunologic dysfunction in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzi Long
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Division of Brain Sciences, Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Dang
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenlong Su
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Md. Moneruzzaman
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Division of Brain Sciences, Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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11
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Ahrens AP, Hyötyläinen T, Petrone JR, Igelström K, George CD, Garrett TJ, Orešič M, Triplett EW, Ludvigsson J. Infant microbes and metabolites point to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell 2024; 187:1853-1873.e15. [PMID: 38574728 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.035] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
This study has followed a birth cohort for over 20 years to find factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorder (ND) diagnosis. Detailed, early-life longitudinal questionnaires captured infection and antibiotic events, stress, prenatal factors, family history, and more. Biomarkers including cord serum metabolome and lipidome, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype, infant microbiota, and stool metabolome were assessed. Among the 16,440 Swedish children followed across time, 1,197 developed an ND. Significant associations emerged for future ND diagnosis in general and for specific ND subtypes, spanning intellectual disability, speech disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. This investigation revealed microbiome connections to future diagnosis as well as early emerging mood and gastrointestinal problems. The findings suggest links to immunodysregulation and metabolism, compounded by stress, early-life infection, and antibiotics. The convergence of infant biomarkers and risk factors in this prospective, longitudinal study on a large-scale population establishes a foundation for early-life prediction and intervention in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica P Ahrens
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Tuulia Hyötyläinen
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 702 81, Sweden
| | - Joseph R Petrone
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Kajsa Igelström
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Linköping University, Linköping 58185, Sweden
| | - Christian D George
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Timothy J Garrett
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Matej Orešič
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro 702 81, Sweden; Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Eric W Triplett
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA.
| | - Johnny Ludvigsson
- Crown Princess Victoria Children's Hospital and Division of Pediatrics, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 58185, Sweden
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12
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Hughes HK, Moreno RJ, Ashwood P. Innate Immune Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2024; 22:229-241. [PMID: 38680981 PMCID: PMC11046725 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.24022004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation. Appeared originally in Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Hughes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
| | - R J Moreno
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
| | - P Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
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13
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Kaplan ZB, Pearce EN, Lee SY, Shin HM, Schmidt RJ. Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy as an Etiologic Factor in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges and Opportunities for Research. Thyroid 2024; 34:144-157. [PMID: 38149625 PMCID: PMC10884547 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with unknown etiology. Both genetic and environmental factors have been associated with ASD. Environmental exposures during the prenatal period may play an important role in ASD development. This narrative review critically examines the evidence for a relationship between maternal thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and ASD in the child. Summary: Studies that assessed the associations of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroxinemia, thyroid hormone concentrations, or autoimmune thyroid disease with ASD outcomes were included. Most research focused on the relationship between hypothyroidism and ASD. Multiple population-based studies found that maternal hypothyroidism was associated with higher likelihood of an ASD diagnosis in offspring. Associations with other forms of maternal thyroid dysfunction were less consistent. Findings may have been affected by misclassification bias, survival bias, or publication bias. Studies using medical records may have misclassified subclinical thyroid dysfunction as euthyroidism. Two studies that assessed children at early ages may have misclassified those with ASD as typically developing. Most studies adjusted for maternal body mass index (BMI) and/or mental illness, but not interpregnancy interval or pesticide exposure, all factors associated with fetal survival and ASD. Most studies reported a combination of null and statistically significant findings, although publication bias is still possible. Conclusions: Overall, evidence supported a positive association between maternal thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and ASD outcomes in the child, especially for hypothyroidism. Future studies could reduce misclassification bias by using laboratory measures instead of medical records to ascertain thyroid dysfunction and evaluating children for ASD at an age when it can be reliably detected. Survival bias could be further mitigated by adjusting models for more factors associated with fetal survival and ASD. Additional research is needed to comprehensively understand the roles of maternal levothyroxine treatment, iodine deficiency, or exposure to thyroid-disrupting compounds in the relationship between maternal thyroid dysfunction and child ASD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe B Kaplan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth N Pearce
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition, and Weight Management, Boston University Chobanian & Avesidian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sun Y Lee
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition, and Weight Management, Boston University Chobanian & Avesidian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hyeong-Moo Shin
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- The MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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14
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Ashwood P. Though shall not pass: Blocking lymphocytes from recirculating to the gut as a potential therapeutic approach for autism. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:402-403. [PMID: 38157947 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ashwood
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the MIND Institute, 2805, 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States.
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15
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Huang W, Liu Z, Li Z, Meng S, Huang Y, Gao M, Zhong N, Zeng S, Wang L, Zhao W. Identification of Immune Infiltration and Iron Metabolism-Related Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:12. [PMID: 38236354 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02179-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with a broad spectrum of symptoms and prognoses. Effective therapy requires understanding this variability. ASD children's cognitive and immunological development may depend on iron homoeostasis. This study employs a machine learning model that focuses on iron metabolism hub genes to identify ASD subgroups and describe immune infiltration patterns. A total of 97 control and 148 ASD samples were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and an iron metabolism gene collection achieved the intersection of 25 genes. Unsupervised cluster analysis determined molecular subgroups in individuals with ASD based on 25 genes related to iron metabolism. We assessed gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and immune infiltration analysis to compare iron metabolism subtype effects. We employed machine learning to identify subtype-predicting hub genes and utilized both training and validation sets to assess gene subtype prediction accuracy. ASD can be classified into two iron-metabolizing molecular clusters. Metabolic enrichment pathways differed between clusters. Immune infiltration showed that clusters differed immunologically. Cluster 2 had better immunological scores and more immune cells, indicating a stronger immune response. Machine learning screening identified SELENBP1 and CAND1 as important genes in ASD's iron metabolism signaling pathway. These genes express in the brain and have AUC values over 0.8, implying significant predictive power. The present study introduces iron metabolism signaling pathway indicators to predict ASD subtypes. ASD is linked to immune cell infiltration and iron metabolism disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Huang
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenni Liu
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziling Li
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Si Meng
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuhang Huang
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Gao
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Zhong
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Sujuan Zeng
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijing Wang
- Department of Pedodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanghong Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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16
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Villarreal VR, Katusic MZ, Myers SM, Weaver AL, Nocton JJ, Voigt RG. Risk of Autoimmune Disease in Research-Identified Cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Longitudinal, Population-Based Birth Cohort Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2024; 45:e46-e53. [PMID: 38364086 PMCID: PMC10878713 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the risk of autoimmune disease in research-identified cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with referents using a longitudinal, population-based birth cohort. METHODS ASD incident cases were identified from a population-based birth cohort of 31,220 individuals. Inclusive ASD definition based on DSM-IV-TR autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, was used to determine ASD cases. For each ASD case, 2 age- and sex-matched referents without ASD were identified. Diagnosis codes assigned between birth and December 2017 were electronically obtained. Individuals were classified as having an autoimmune disorder if they had at least 2 diagnosis codes more than 30 days apart. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) between ASD status and autoimmune disorder. RESULTS Of 1014 ASD cases, 747 (73.7%) were male. Fifty ASD cases and 59 of the 1:2 matched referents were diagnosed with first autoimmune disorder at the median age of 14 and 17.1 years, respectively. ASD cases had increased risk of autoimmune disease compared with matched referents (HR 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.52). The increased risk was statistically significant among male patients (HR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.26-3.21) but not among the smaller number of female subjects (HR 1.38; 95% CI, 0.76-2.50). CONCLUSION This study provides evidence from a longitudinal, population-based birth cohort for co-occurrence of ASD and autoimmune disorders. Thus, children with ASD should be monitored for symptoms of autoimmune disease and appropriate workup initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica R Villarreal
- Division of Pediatric Neurology/Neurodevelopment, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | | | - Scott M Myers
- Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Lewisburg, PA
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA
| | - Amy L Weaver
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - James J Nocton
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI
| | - Robert G Voigt
- Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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17
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Lin J, Costa MA, Rezende VL, Nascimento RR, Ambrósio PG, Madeira K, Pearson DA, Gonçalves CL. Risk factors and clinical profile of autism spectrum disorder in southern Brazil. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:105-112. [PMID: 38011818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.033] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
In Brazil, as in other countries, it is expected a significant variation of epidemiological and clinical characteristics among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study was performed to explore maternal risk factors and clinical characteristics of children with ASD in a population located in southern Brazil. Data were collected from medical records and analyzed to explore biomarkers associated with ASD. Out of 321 children with ASD, 86.5% were males with a male-to-female ratio of 5.7:1, 50.7% were mild/moderate while 49.3% presented severe ASD. Between the risk factors investigated, gestational infection was significantly associated with severe ASD patients. There was also an association between epilepsy and severe autism. Several gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were significantly associated with severe ASD. Obesity, followed by lower levels of cholesterol, were also significant factors associated with an ASD diagnosis when compared to age-matched controls. Finally, severe ASD was associated with significantly higher serum serotonin levels when compared to age-matched controls and mild/moderate ASD cases. Our findings demonstrate that our population shares many features associated with ASD around the world, such as GI symptoms, epilepsy, and high serotonin levels. It is worth highlighting the low cholesterol levels associated with obesity as an unusual feature that deserves more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Lin
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Maiara A Costa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Victória L Rezende
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Rosiane R Nascimento
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Pedro Gabriel Ambrósio
- Laboratory of Applied Research in Computing and Quantitative Methods, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Kristian Madeira
- Laboratory of Applied Research in Computing and Quantitative Methods, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Deborah A Pearson
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cinara L Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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18
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Sullivan MI, Gupta MJ, Taylor KA, Van Mater HA, Pizoli CE. Disease Course and Response to Immunotherapy in Children With Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: A Retrospective Case Series. J Child Neurol 2024; 39:11-21. [PMID: 38115714 DOI: 10.1177/08830738231220278] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Childhood disintegrative disorder is a poorly understood neurobehavioral disorder of early childhood characterized by acute to subacute profound regression in previously developed language, social behavior, and adaptive functions. The etiology of childhood disintegrative disorder remains unknown and treatment is focused on symptomatic management. Interest in neuroinflammatory mechanisms has grown with the increased recognition of autoimmune brain diseases and similarities between the presenting symptoms of childhood disintegrative disorder and pediatric autoimmune encephalitis. Importantly, a diagnosis of pediatric autoimmune encephalitis requires evidence of inflammation on paraclinical testing, which is absent in childhood disintegrative disorder. Here we report 5 children with childhood disintegrative disorder who were initially diagnosed with possible autoimmune encephalitis and treated with immunotherapy. Two children had provocative improvements, whereas 3 did not change significantly on immunotherapy. Additionally, a sixth patient with childhood disintegrative disorder evaluated in our Autoimmune Brain Disease Clinic showed spontaneous improvement and is included to highlight the variable natural history of childhood disintegrative disorder that may mimic treatment responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megha J Gupta
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kathryn A Taylor
- Division of Child Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Carolyn E Pizoli
- Division of Child Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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19
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Wong TJ, Yu T. Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Prevalence of Hypersensitivity Diseases and Autism: A Nationwide Study of Children. Matern Child Health J 2023; 27:2194-2202. [PMID: 37823989 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03789-z] [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: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior research suggests that children with a low socioeconomic status (SES) background are at an increased risk for special healthcare needs. Conversely, for hypersensitivity-related diseases, many studies reported a lower risk among children with lower SES according to the hygiene hypothesis. We aimed to evaluate the association between SES and several hypersensitivity diseases and autism in a representative American sample. METHODS We used data from the 2016, 2017 and 2018 US National Survey of Children's Health. A total of 102,341 children aged 0-17 years were included. The dependent variables were doctor-diagnosed allergies, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and autism. The main SES indicators were family poverty levels, highest education of the reported adults and difficulty in family income. Our analysis used logistic regression that accounted for the survey sampling design. RESULTS The sample had a mean age of 9.4 ± 5.3 years. The weighted prevalence for allergies was 24.4%, 0.3% for arthritis, 11.9% for asthma, 0.5% for diabetes and 2.6% for autism. Children with adults reporting higher educational levels had greater odds of allergies (adjusted odds ratio and 95% CI: 1.48, 1.23-1.78) than those with lower educational levels. But for all other diseases, most findings suggested that a higher odds of disease was associated with lower SES instead of higher SES. CONCLUSIONS A low SES background remains an important risk factor for hypersensitivity diseases in children. Most of our results suggested that children with low SES were associated with a higher risk of hypersensitivity diseases and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Jung Wong
- Department of Healthcare Information and Management, School of Health Technology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung Yu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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20
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Al-Bishri WM. Glucose transporter 1 deficiency, AMP-activated protein kinase activation and immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder: Novel biomarker sources for clinical diagnosis. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103849. [PMID: 38020228 PMCID: PMC10654234 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurophysiological basis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still uncertain. Nevertheless, studies support the hypotheses that oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic stress are contributors. In this study, the serum levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1 α), heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-35, vitamin D3 (VITD), glucose transporter-1 (GUT1), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were estimated in Saudi ASD children versus age-matched neurotypical controls, aiming to investigate whether these parameters have potential roles in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of ASD and hoping to find a reliable marker for early ASD diagnosis. This study included 25 ASD children and 25 typically developing children (3-11 years old). The diagnosis of ASD cases was made based on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). ASD subjects were commonly male and revealed an intelligence quotient (IQ) < 70.The results detected that ASD children have remarkable greater serum levels of nitrosative stress (3-NT), hypoxia (HIF-1 α), inflammatory (HSP-70, IL-17A, and AMPK) biomarkers and lower serum levels of anti-inflammatory (IL-35 and VITD) and metabolic stress (GUT-1) biomarkers versus age-matched controls (P ≤ 0.0001). Pearson's correlation study revealed that 3-NT was positively associated with HIF-1 α and HSP-70. HIF-1 α was also positively correlated with HSP-70. AMPK was positively associated with GUT-1, however, IL-17A was negatively correlated with IL-35 and VITD.Limitation:No specific therapeuticdrugs were administered in this study, and further studies are required to confirm the role of the selected biomarkers in ASD managements. Conclusion Changes in concentrations of different biomarkers indicate that they are involved in oxidative stress, metabolic stress, immune dysregulation and ASD pathogenesis. Hence, these parameters can prove to be promising biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for the timely diagnosis and treatment of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Widad M. Al-Bishri
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 80327, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Potabattula R, Prell A, Dittrich M, Nava C, Depienne C, Bejaoui Y, El Hajj N, Hahn T, Schorsch M, Haaf T. Effects of paternal and chronological age on BEGAIN methylation and its possible role in autism. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:12763-12779. [PMID: 38019471 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205275] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Children from old fathers carry an increased risk for autism spectrum (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders, which may at least partially be mediated by paternal age effects on the sperm epigenome. The brain enriched guanylate kinase associated (BEGAIN) protein is involved in protein-protein interactions at and transmission across synapses. Since several epigenome-wide methylation screens reported a paternal age effect on sperm BEGAIN methylation, here we confirmed a significant negative correlation between BEGAIN promoter methylation and paternal age, using more sensitive bisulfite pyrosequencing and a larger number of sperm samples. Paternal age-associated BEGAIN hypomethylation was also observed in fetal cord blood (FCB) of male but not of female offspring. There was no comparable maternal age effect on FCB methylation. In addition, we found a significant negative correlation between BEGAIN methylation and chronological age (ranging from 1 to 70 years) in peripheral blood samples of male but not of female donors. BEGAIN hypomethylation was more pronounced in male children, adolescents and adults suffering from ASD compared to controls. Both genetic variation (CC genotype of SNP rs7141087) and epigenetic factors may contribute to BEGAIN promoter hypomethylation. The age- and sex-specific BEGAIN methylation trajectories in the male germ line and somatic tissues, in particular the brain, support a role of this gene in ASD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Potabattula
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Prell
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Nava
- U.F. de Neurogénétique Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Dpt. de Génétique et Cytogénétique, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Christel Depienne
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yosra Bejaoui
- College of Health and Life Sciences and College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nady El Hajj
- College of Health and Life Sciences and College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
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22
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Assiri MA, Albekairi TH, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Shahid M, Aldossari AA, Almutairi MM, Almanaa TN, Alwetaid MY, Ahmad SF. The Exposure to Lead (Pb) Exacerbates Immunological Abnormalities in BTBR T + Itpr 3tf/J Mice through the Regulation of Signaling Pathways Relevant to T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16218. [PMID: 38003408 PMCID: PMC10671427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216218] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental illness characterized by abnormal social interactions, communication difficulties, and repetitive and limited behaviors or interests. The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice have been used extensively to research the ASD-like phenotype. Lead (Pb) is a hazardous chemical linked to organ damage in the human body. It is regarded as one of the most common metal exposure sources and has been connected to the development of neurological abnormalities. We used flow cytometry to investigate the molecular mechanism behind the effect of Pb exposure on subsets of CD4+ T cells in the spleen expressing IFN-γ, T-bet, STAT1, STAT4, IL-9, IRF4, IL-22, AhR, IL-10, and Foxp3. Furthermore, using RT-PCR, we studied the effect of Pb on the expression of numerous genes in brain tissue, including IFN-γ, T-bet, STAT1, STAT4, IL-9, IRF4, IL-22, AhR, IL-10, and Foxp3. Pb exposure increased the population of CD4+IFN-γ+, CD4+T-bet+, CD4+STAT1+, CD4+STAT4+, CD4+IL-9+, CD4+IRF4+, CD4+IL-22+, and CD4+AhR+ cells in BTBR mice. In contrast, CD4+IL-10+ and CD4+Foxp3+ cells were downregulated in the spleen cells of Pb-exposed BTBR mice compared to those treated with vehicle. Furthermore, Pb exposure led to a significant increase in IFN-γ, T-bet, STAT1, STAT4, IL-9, IRF4, IL-22, and AhR mRNA expression in BTBR mice. In contrast, IL-10 and Foxp3 mRNA expression was significantly lower in those treated with the vehicle. Our data suggest that Pb exposure exacerbates immunological dysfunctions associated with ASD. These data imply that Pb exposure may increase the risk of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. Assiri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
| | - Thamer H. Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
| | - Mushtaq A. Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
| | - Sabry M. Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
| | - Saleh A. Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
| | - Mudassar Shahid
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A. Aldossari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
| | - Mohammed M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
| | - Taghreed N. Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (M.Y.A.)
| | - Mohammad Y. Alwetaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (M.Y.A.)
| | - Sheikh F. Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (S.A.B.)
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23
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Tamayo JM, Osman HC, Schwartzer JJ, Pinkerton KE, Ashwood P. Characterizing the neuroimmune environment of offspring in a novel model of maternal allergic asthma and particulate matter exposure. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:252. [PMID: 37919762 PMCID: PMC10621097 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02930-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Increased gestational inflammation can be a result of an immune condition/disease, exposure to infection, and/or environmental factors. Epidemiology studies suggest that cases of NDD are on the rise. Similarly, rates of asthma are increasing, and the presence of maternal asthma during pregnancy increases the likelihood of a child being later diagnosed with NDD such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Particulate matter (PM), via air pollution, is an environmental factor known to worsen the symptoms of asthma, but also, PM has been associated with increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite the links between asthma and PM with neuropsychiatric disorders, there is a lack of laboratory models investigating combined prenatal exposure to asthma and PM on offspring neurodevelopment. Thus, we developed a novel mouse model that combines exposure to maternal allergic asthma (MAA) and ultrafine iron-soot (UIS), a common component of PM. In the current study, female BALB/c mice were sensitized for allergic asthma with ovalbumin (OVA) prior to pregnancy. Following mating and beginning on gestational day 2 (GD2), dams were exposed to either aerosolized OVA to induce allergic asthma or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 1 h. Following the 1-h exposure, pregnant females were then exposed to UIS with a size distribution of 55 to 169 nm at an average concentration of 176 ± 45 μg/m3) (SD), or clean air for 4 h, over 8 exposure sessions. Offspring brains were collected at postnatal days (P)15 and (P)35. Cortices and hippocampal regions were then isolated and assessed for changes in cytokines using a Luminex bead-based multiplex assay. Analyses identified changes in many cytokines across treatment groups at both timepoints in the cortex, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-17, which remained elevated from P15 to P35 in all treatment conditions compared to controls. There was a suppressive effect of the combined MAA plus UIS on the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Potentially shifting the cytokine balance towards more neuroinflammation. In the hippocampus at P15, elevations in cytokines were also identified across the treatment groups, namely IL-7. The combination of MAA and UIS exposure (MAA-UIS) during pregnancy resulted in an increase in microglia density in the hippocampus of offspring, as identified by IBA-1 staining. Together, these data indicate that exposure to MAA, UIS, and MAA-UIS result in changes in the neuroimmune environment of offspring that persist into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Tamayo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, 2805, 50th Street Sacramento, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Hadley C Osman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, 2805, 50th Street Sacramento, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Jared J Schwartzer
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, USA
| | - Kent E Pinkerton
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, 2805, 50th Street Sacramento, Davis, CA, 95817, USA.
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24
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Arenella M, Matuleviciute R, Tamouza R, Leboyer M, McAlonan G, Bralten J, Murphy D. Immunogenetics of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic literature review. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:488-499. [PMID: 37717669 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and, partly, accounted by genetic factors. Nonetheless, the genetic underpinnings of ASD are poorly defined. The presence of immune dysregulations in autistic individuals, and their families, supports a role of the immune system and its genetic regulators. Albeit immune responses belong either to the innate or adaptive arms, the overall immune system genetics is broad, and encompasses a multitude of functionally heterogenous pathways which may have different influences on ASD. Hence, to gain insights on the immunogenetic underpinnings of ASD, we conducted a systematic literature review of previous immune genetic and transcription studies in ASD. We defined a list of immune genes relevant to ASD and explored their neuro-immune function. Our review confirms the presence of immunogenetic variability in ASD, accounted by inherited variations of innate and adaptive immune system genes and genetic expression changes in the blood and post-mortem brain of autistic individuals. Besides their immune function, the identified genes control neurodevelopment processes (neuronal and synaptic plasticity) and are highly expressed in pre/peri-natal periods. Hence, our synthesis bolsters the hypothesis that perturbation in immune genes may contribute to ASD by derailing the typical trajectory of neurodevelopment. Our review also helped identifying some of the limitations of prior immunogenetic research in ASD. Thus, alongside clarifying the neurodevelopment role of immune genes, we outline key considerations for future work into the aetiology of ASD and possible novel intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Arenella
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Rugile Matuleviciute
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- University Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), INSERM, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry Lab, AP-HP, Department of Addiction and Psychiatry (DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT), France; Fondation FondaMental, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- University Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), INSERM, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry Lab, AP-HP, Department of Addiction and Psychiatry (DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT), France; Fondation FondaMental, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Grainne McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janita Bralten
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Declan Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Alwetaid MY, Almanaa TN, Bakheet SA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Hussein MH, Ahmad SF. Aflatoxin B 1 Exposure Aggravates Neurobehavioral Deficits and Immune Dysfunctions of Th1, Th9, Th17, Th22, and T Regulatory Cell-Related Transcription Factor Signaling in the BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J Mouse Model of Autism. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1519. [PMID: 38002479 PMCID: PMC10669727 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by impaired communication, reciprocal social interactions, restricted sociability deficits, and stereotyped behavioral patterns. Environmental factors and genetic susceptibility have been implicated in an increased risk of ASD. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a typical contaminant of food and feed that causes severe immune dysfunction in humans and animals. Nevertheless, the impact of ASD on behavioral and immunological responses has not been thoroughly examined. To investigate this phenomenon, we subjected BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice to AFB1 and evaluated their marble-burying and self-grooming behaviors and their sociability. The exposure to AFB1 resulted in a notable escalation in marble-burying and self-grooming activities while concurrently leading to a decline in social contacts. In addition, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms that underlie the impact of AFB1 on the production of Th1 (IFN-γ, STAT1, and T-bet), Th9 (IL-9 and IRF4), Th17 (IL-17A, IL-21, RORγT, and STAT3), Th22 (IL-22, AhR, and TNF-α), and T regulatory (Treg) (IL-10, TGF-β1, and FoxP3) cells in the spleen. This was achieved using RT-PCR and Western blot analyses to assess mRNA and protein expression in brain tissue. The exposure to AFB1 resulted in a significant upregulation of various immune-related factors, including IFN-γ, STAT1, T-bet, IL-9, IRF4, IL-17A, IL-21, RORγ, STAT3, IL-22, AhR, and TNF-α in BTBR mice. Conversely, the production of IL-10, TGF-β1, and FoxP3 by CD4+ T cells was observed to be downregulated. Exposure to AFB1 demonstrated a notable rise in Th1/Th9/Th22/Th17 levels and a decrease in mRNA and protein expression of Treg. The results above underscore the significance of AFB1 exposure in intensifying neurobehavioral and immunological abnormalities in BTBR mice, hence indicating the necessity for a more comprehensive investigation into the contribution of AFB1 to the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Y. Alwetaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghreed N. Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A. Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A. Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M. Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H. Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F. Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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26
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Ferina J, Kruger M, Kruger U, Ryan D, Anderson C, Foster J, Hamlin T, Hahn J. Predicting Problematic Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Medical History and Environmental Data. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1513. [PMID: 37888124 PMCID: PMC10608042 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101513] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterized by social, communication, and behavioral abnormalities, affects 1 in 36 children according to the CDC. Several co-occurring conditions are often associated with ASD, including sleep and immune disorders and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. ASD is also associated with sensory sensitivities. Some individuals with ASD exhibit episodes of challenging behaviors that can endanger themselves or others, including aggression and self-injurious behavior (SIB). In this work, we explored the use of artificial intelligence models to predict behavior episodes based on past data of co-occurring conditions and environmental factors for 80 individuals in a residential setting. We found that our models predict occurrences of behavior and non-behavior with accuracies as high as 90% for some individuals, and that environmental, as well as gastrointestinal, factors are notable predictors across the population examined. While more work is needed to examine the underlying connections between the factors and the behaviors, having reasonably accurate predictions for behaviors has the potential to improve the quality of life of some individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ferina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA; (J.F.); (U.K.)
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA;
| | - Melanie Kruger
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA;
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Uwe Kruger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA; (J.F.); (U.K.)
| | - Daniel Ryan
- The Center for Discovery, Harris, NY 12742, USA; (D.R.); (C.A.); (J.F.); (T.H.)
| | - Conor Anderson
- The Center for Discovery, Harris, NY 12742, USA; (D.R.); (C.A.); (J.F.); (T.H.)
| | - Jenny Foster
- The Center for Discovery, Harris, NY 12742, USA; (D.R.); (C.A.); (J.F.); (T.H.)
| | - Theresa Hamlin
- The Center for Discovery, Harris, NY 12742, USA; (D.R.); (C.A.); (J.F.); (T.H.)
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA; (J.F.); (U.K.)
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA;
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
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27
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Tamayo JM, Osman HC, Schwartzer JJ, Pinkerton K, Ashwood P. Characterizing the Neuroimmune Environment of Offspring in a Novel Model of Maternal Allergic Asthma and Particulate Matter Exposure. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3140415. [PMID: 37503062 PMCID: PMC10371118 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3140415/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by the presence of decreased social interactions and an increase in stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Epidemiology studies suggest that cases of ASD are on the rise. Similarly, rates of asthma are increasing, and the presence of maternal asthma during pregnancy increases the likelihood of a child being later diagnosed with ASD. Particulate matter (PM), via air pollution, is an environmental factor known to worsen the symptoms of asthma, but also, PM has been associated with increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders including ASD. Despite the links between asthma and PM with neuropsychiatric disorders, there is a lack of laboratory models investigating combined prenatal exposure to asthma and PM on offspring neurodevelopment. Thus, we developed a novel mouse model that combines exposure to maternal allergic asthma (MAA) and ultrafine iron-soot (UIS), a common component of PM. In the current study, female BALB/c mice were primed for allergic asthma with ovalbumin (OVA) prior to pregnancy. Following mating and beginning on gestational day 2 (GD2), dams were exposed to either aerosolized OVA or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 1 hour. Following the 1-hour exposure, pregnant females were then exposed to UIS or clean air for 4 hours. Offspring brains were collected at postnatal days (P)15 and (P)35. Cortices and hippocampal regions were then isolated and assessed for changes in cytokines using a Luminex bead-based multiplex assay. Analyses identified changes in many cytokines across treatment groups at both timepoints in the cortex, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-13, and IL-17, which remained elevated from P15 to P35 in all treatment conditions compared to controls. In the hippocampus at P15, elevations in cytokines were also identified across the treatment groups, namely interferon gamma (IFNγ) and IL-7. The combination of MAA and UIS exposure (MAA-UIS) during pregnancy resulted in an increase in microglia density in the hippocampus of offspring, as identified by IBA-1 staining. Together, these data indicate that exposure to MAA, UIS, and MAA-UIS result in changes in the neuroimmune environment of offspring that persist into adulthood.
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28
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Liu X, Xu W, Leng F, Zhang P, Guo R, Zhang Y, Hao C, Ni X, Li W. NeuroCNVscore: a tissue-specific framework to prioritise the pathogenicity of CNVs in neurodevelopmental disorders. BMJ Paediatr Open 2023; 7:e001966. [PMID: 37407247 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-001966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are associated with altered development of the brain especially in childhood. Copy number variants (CNVs) play a crucial role in the genetic aetiology of NDDs by disturbing gene expression directly at linear sequence or remotely at three-dimensional genome level in a tissue-specific manner. Despite the substantial increase in NDD studies employing whole-genome sequencing, there is no specific tool for prioritising the pathogenicity of CNVs in the context of NDDs. METHODS Using an XGBoost classifier, we integrated 189 features that represent genomic sequences, gene information and functional/genomic segments for evaluating genome-wide CNVs in a neuro/brain-specific manner, to develop a new tool, neuroCNVscore. We used Human Phenotype Ontology to construct an independent NDD-related set. RESULTS Our neuroCNVscore framework (https://github.com/lxsbch/neuroCNVscore) achieved high predictive performance (precision recall=0.82; area under curve=0.85) and outperformed an existing reference method SVScore. Notably, the predicted pathogenic CNVs showed enrichment in known genes associated with autism. CONCLUSIONS NeuroCNVscore prioritises functional, deleterious and pathogenic CNVs in NDDs at whole genome-wide level, which is important for genetic studies and clinical genomic screening of NDDs as well as for providing novel biological insights into NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanshi Liu
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- Genetics and Birth Defects Control Centre, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjian Xu
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- Genetics and Birth Defects Control Centre, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Leng
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- Genetics and Birth Defects Control Centre, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- Genetics and Birth Defects Control Centre, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Ruolan Guo
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- Genetics and Birth Defects Control Centre, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- Genetics and Birth Defects Control Centre, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Chanjuan Hao
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- Genetics and Birth Defects Control Centre, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseaseas in Children, Beijing, China
- Genetics and Birth Defects Control Centre, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
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Lee JY, Ju HJ, Han JH, Lee JH, Bae JM, Lee WS, Lee S. Autoimmune, Inflammatory, Atopic, Thyroid, and Psychiatric Outcomes of Offspring Born to Mothers With Alopecia Areata. JAMA Dermatol 2023; 159:711-719. [PMID: 37223925 PMCID: PMC10209830 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Importance Alopecia areata (AA) is associated with diverse autoimmune and psychiatric disorders. However, an investigation on the long-term outcomes for offspring born to mothers diagnosed with AA is lacking. Objective To investigate the risks for autoimmune, inflammatory, atopic, thyroid, and psychiatric outcomes of offspring born to mothers with AA. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective population-based birth cohort study used the linked birth registration database with the Nationwide Health Insurance Service database of Korea. The participants included all newborns born to mothers with 3 or more visits with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code of L63 and 1:10 birth year, sex, insurance, income, and location of residence-matched control offspring born to mothers without AA during the years from 2003 to 2015. The analysis was conducted from July 2022 to January 2023. Exposure Maternal AA. Main Outcomes and Measures The occurrence of the following diseases was measured in newborns from birth to December 31, 2020: AA, alopecia totalis/universalis (AT/AU), vitiligo, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Graves disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood disorder, and anxiety disorder. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed with the following covariates: birth year, age, insurance type, income level, location of residence, maternal age, mode of delivery, maternal history of atopic disorders, and autoimmune disorders. Results In total, 67 364 offspring born to 46 352 mothers with AA and 673 640 controls born to 454 085 unaffected mothers were analyzed. The risk of AA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.88-2.30), AT/AU (aHR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.18-2.08), vitiligo (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.32-1.63), atopic disorders (aHR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.06-1.09), hypothyroidism (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03-1.25), and psychiatric disorders (aHR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.11-1.20) was significantly increased in offspring born to mothers with AA. Among them, 5088 born to mothers with AT/AU were at much greater risk for the development of AT/AU (aHR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.48-6.00) and psychiatric disorders (aHR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12-1.44). Conclusions and Relevance In this Korean retrospective population-based birth cohort study, maternal AA was associated with the development of autoimmune/inflammatory, atopic, thyroid, and psychiatric disorders in their offspring. Clinicians and parents need to be aware of the potential for these comorbidities to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Yeong Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Ju
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Ju Hee Han
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul St Mary's Hospital College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hae Lee
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jung Min Bae
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Won-Soo Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Solam Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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Lee SH, Lee S, Kang H, Lee J, Lee WS. Increased risk of alopecia areata in patients with autism spectrum disorders: A Korean nationwide population-based study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:149-151. [PMID: 36822354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hoon Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Solam Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kang
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won-Soo Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
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Zhu J, Meng H, Zhang L, Li Y. Exploring the molecular mechanism of comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder and inflammatory bowel disease by combining multiple data sets. J Transl Med 2023; 21:372. [PMID: 37291580 PMCID: PMC10249282 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04218-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is difficult to diagnose. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common chronic digestive disease. Previous studies have shown a potential correlation between ASD and IBD, but the pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to examine the biological mechanisms underlying the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ASD and IBD using bioinformatics tools. METHODS Limma software was used to evaluate the DEGs between ASD and IBD. The GSE3365, GSE18123, and GSE150115 microarray data sets were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We then performed 6 analyses, namely, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional annotation; weighted gene coexpression network analysis; correlation analysis of hub genes with autophagy, ferroptosis and immunity; transcriptional regulation analysis of hub genes; single-cell sequencing analysis; and potential therapeutic drug prediction. RESULTS A total of 505 DEGs associated with ASD and 616 DEGs associated with IBD were identified, and 7 genes overlapped between these sets. GO and KEGG analyses revealed several pathways enriched in both diseases. A total of 98 common genes related to ASD and IBD were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), and 4 hub genes were obtained by intersection with the 7 intersecting DEGs, which were PDGFC, CA2, GUCY1B3 and SDPR. We also found that 4 hub genes in the two diseases were related to autophagy, ferroptosis or immune factors. In addition, motif-TF annotation analysis showed that cisbp__M0080 was the most relevant motif. We also used the Connectivity Map (CMap) database to identify 4 potential therapeutic agents. CONCLUSION This research reveals the shared pathogenesis of ASD and IBD. In the future, these common hub genes may provide new targets for further mechanistic research as well as new therapies for patients with ASD and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Zhu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Haoran Meng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250014, China.
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Bagcioglu E, Solmaz V, Erbas O, Özkul B, Çakar B, Uyanikgil Y, Söğüt İ. Modafinil Improves Autism-like Behavior in Rats by Reducing Neuroinflammation. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:9-23. [PMID: 37043086 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-023-10061-2] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the ameliorating effect of Modafinil on neuroinflammation, behavioral, and histopathological alterations in rats induced by propionic acid (PPA). Thirty male Wistar rats were used in the study, divided into 3 groups of ten subjects. One group served as a control, the subjects in the other two were given 250 mg/kg/day of PPA by intraperitoneal injection over the course of 5 days to induce autism. The experimental design was as follows: Group 1: Normal control (orally-fed control, n = 10); Group 2 (PPA + saline, n = 10): PPA and 1 ml/kg/day % 0.9 NaCl saline via oral gavage; Group 3 (PPA + Modafinil, n = 10) PPA and 30 mg/kg/day Modafinil (Modiodal tablets 100 mg, Cephalon) via oral gavage. All of the groups were investigated for behavioral, biochemical, and histological abnormality. Autism-like behaviors were reduced significantly in the rats treated with PPA. TNF-α, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), IL-17, IL-2, and NF-KB levels as well as MDA levels and lactate were significantly higher in those treated with PPA compared to the control group. Using immunohistochemical methods, the number of neurons and GFAP immunoreactivity was significantly altered in PPA-treated rats compared to the control. Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), we found that lactate levels were significantly higher in the PPA-treated rats, while creatinine levels were significantly decreased. In the rats administered with Modafinil, behavior, neuroinflammation, and histopathological changes brought about by PPA were significantly reversed. Our results demonstrate the potential role of Modafinil in ameliorating PPA-induced neuroinflammation in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erman Bagcioglu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Volkan Solmaz
- Department of Neurophysiology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oytun Erbas
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Bilim University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahattin Özkul
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul Atlas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Çakar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yigit Uyanikgil
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Söğüt
- Department of Biochemistry, Demiroğlu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Carbonell AU, Freire-Cobo C, Deyneko IV, Dobariya S, Erdjument-Bromage H, Clipperton-Allen AE, Page DT, Neubert TA, Jordan BA. Comparing synaptic proteomes across five mouse models for autism reveals converging molecular similarities including deficits in oxidative phosphorylation and Rho GTPase signaling. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1152562. [PMID: 37255534 PMCID: PMC10225639 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1152562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific and effective treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are lacking due to a poor understanding of disease mechanisms. Here we test the idea that similarities between diverse ASD mouse models are caused by deficits in common molecular pathways at neuronal synapses. To do this, we leverage the availability of multiple genetic models of ASD that exhibit shared synaptic and behavioral deficits and use quantitative mass spectrometry with isobaric tandem mass tagging (TMT) to compare their hippocampal synaptic proteomes. Comparative analyses of mouse models for Fragile X syndrome (Fmr1 knockout), cortical dysplasia focal epilepsy syndrome (Cntnap2 knockout), PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (Pten haploinsufficiency), ANKS1B syndrome (Anks1b haploinsufficiency), and idiopathic autism (BTBR+) revealed several common altered cellular and molecular pathways at the synapse, including changes in oxidative phosphorylation, and Rho family small GTPase signaling. Functional validation of one of these aberrant pathways, Rac1 signaling, confirms that the ANKS1B model displays altered Rac1 activity counter to that observed in other models, as predicted by the bioinformatic analyses. Overall similarity analyses reveal clusters of synaptic profiles, which may form the basis for molecular subtypes that explain genetic heterogeneity in ASD despite a common clinical diagnosis. Our results suggest that ASD-linked susceptibility genes ultimately converge on common signaling pathways regulating synaptic function and propose that these points of convergence are key to understanding the pathogenesis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail U. Carbonell
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Carmen Freire-Cobo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Ilana V. Deyneko
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Saunil Dobariya
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Hediye Erdjument-Bromage
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amy E. Clipperton-Allen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - Damon T. Page
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - Thomas A. Neubert
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bryen A. Jordan
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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Efron D, Taylor K. Medicinal Cannabis for Paediatric Developmental, Behavioural and Mental Health Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085430. [PMID: 37107712 PMCID: PMC10138057 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Parents of children with developmental, behavioural and mental health disorders are increasingly asking whether medicinal cannabis might be a therapeutic option for their child. This paper presents the current evidence for medicinal cannabis in this population. Preliminary evidence from open-label studies suggests the potential for medicinal cannabis to ameliorate some symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, only one double-blind placebo-controlled trial has been completed, with inconclusive findings. Synthetic, transdermal cannabidiol gel has demonstrated efficacy for reducing social avoidance in a sub-group of children with Fragile X syndrome. Studies of medicinal cannabis are planned or underway for children and/or adolescents with autism, intellectual disability, Tourette's syndrome, anxiety, psychosis, anorexia nervosa and a number of specific neurodevelopmental syndromes. High quality evidence from double-blind placebo-controlled trials is needed to guide clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Efron
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- The Royal Children’s Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Kaitlyn Taylor
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
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Alanazi MM, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Al-Mazroua HA, Aldossari AA, Almutairi MM, Albekairi TH, Hussein MH, Al-Hamamah MA, Ahmad SF. Cadmium Exposure Is Associated with Behavioral Deficits and Neuroimmune Dysfunction in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076575. [PMID: 37047547 PMCID: PMC10095149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurobehavioral disabilities characterized by impaired social interactions, poor communication skills, and restrictive/repetitive behaviors. Cadmium is a common heavy metal implicated in ASD. In this study, we investigated the effects of Cd exposure on BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, an ASD model. We looked for changes in repetitive behaviors and sociability through experiments. We also explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of Cd exposure, focusing on proinflammatory cytokines and pathways. Flow cytometry measured IL-17A-, IL-17F-, IL-21-, TNF-α-, STAT3-, and RORγt-expressing CD4+ T cells from the spleens of experimental mice. We then used RT-PCR to analyze IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, TNF-α, STAT3, and RORγ mRNA expression in the brain. The results of behavioral experiments showed that Cd exposure significantly increased self-grooming and marble-burying in BTBR mice while decreasing social interactions. Cd exposure also significantly increased the number of CD4+IL-17A+, CD4+IL-17F+, CD4+IL-21+, CD4+TNF-α+, CD4+STAT3+, and CD4+RORγt+ cells, while upregulating the mRNA expression of the six molecules in the brain. Overall, our results suggest that oral exposure to Cd aggravates behavioral and immune abnormalities in an ASD animal model. These findings have important implications for ASD etiology and provide further evidence of heavy metals contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders through proinflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A. Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M. Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A. Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen A. Al-Mazroua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A. Aldossari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer H. Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H. Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Al-Hamamah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F. Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Alomar HA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Al-Mazroua HA, Hussein MH, Alqarni SA, Ahmad SF. A potent and selective CXCR2 antagonist improves neuroimmune dysregulation through the inhibition of NF-κB and notch inflammatory signaling in the BTBR mouse model of autism. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 377:578069. [PMID: 36931207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Autism comprises a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Chemokine receptor CXCR2 is expressed on neurons and is upregulated in neurological disorders. BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model for autism that shows the core features of ASD. Here, we studied the anti-inflammatory effect of a potent and selective CXCR2 antagonist SB332235 in the BTBR mice. The CXCR2 antagonist represents a promising therapeutic agent for several neuroinflammatory disorders. In this study, we investigated the effects of SB332235 administration on NF-κB-, Notch-1-, Notch-3-, GM-CSF-, MCP-1-, IL-6-, and IL-2- and TGF-β1-expressing CD40+ cells in BTBR and C57BL/6 (C57) mice in the spleen cells by flow cytometry. We further assessed the effect of SB332235 treatment on NF-κB, Notch-1, GM-CSF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-2 mRNA expression levels in the brain tissue by RT-PCR. We also explored the effect of SB332235 administration on NF-κB, GM-CSF, IL-6, and TGF-β1 protein expression levels in the brain tissue by western blotting. The SB332235-treated BTBR mice significantly decreases in CD40 + NF-κB+, CD40 + Notch-1+, CD40 + Notch-3+, CD40 + GM-CSF+, CD40 + MCP-1+, CD40 + IL-6+, and CD40 + IL-2+, and increases in CD40 + TGF-β1+ in the spleen cells. Our results further demonstrated that BTBR mice treated with SB332235 effectively decreased NF-κB, Notch-1, GM-CSF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-2, increasing TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression levels in the brain tissue. In conclusion, these results indicate that SB332235 elicits an anti-inflammatory response by downregulating the inflammatory mediators and NF-κB/Notch inflammatory signaling in BTBR mice. This could represent a promising novel therapeutic target for autism treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatun A Alomar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen A Al-Mazroua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alqarni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Abo-Shaban T, Sharna SS, Hosie S, Lee CYQ, Balasuriya GK, McKeown SJ, Franks AE, Hill-Yardin EL. Issues for patchy tissues: defining roles for gut-associated lymphoid tissue in neurodevelopment and disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:269-280. [PMID: 36309872 PMCID: PMC10033573 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02561-x] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD; autism) often experience tissue inflammation as well as gastrointestinal dysfunction, yet their underlying causes remain poorly characterised. Notably, the largest components of the body's immune system, including gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), lie within the gastrointestinal tract. A major constituent of GALT in humans comprises secretory lymphoid aggregates known as Peyer's patches that sense and combat constant exposure to pathogens and infectious agents. Essential to the functions of Peyer's patches is its communication with the enteric nervous system (ENS), an intrinsic neural network that regulates gastrointestinal function. Crosstalk between these tissues contribute to the microbiota-gut-brain axis that altogether influences mood and behaviour. Increasing evidence further points to a critical role for this signalling axis in neurodevelopmental homeostasis and disease. Notably, while the neuroimmunomodulatory functions for Peyer's patches are increasingly better understood, functions for tissues of analogous function, such as caecal patches, remain less well characterised. Here, we compare the structure, function and development of Peyer's patches, as well as caecal and appendix patches in humans and model organisms including mice to highlight the roles for these essential tissues in health and disease. We propose that perturbations to GALT function may underlie inflammatory disorders and gastrointestinal dysfunction in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Abo-Shaban
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - S S Sharna
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Hosie
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - C Y Q Lee
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - G K Balasuriya
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - S J McKeown
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - A E Franks
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - E L Hill-Yardin
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
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Arteaga-Henríquez G, Gisbert L, Ramos-Quiroga JA. Immunoregulatory and/or Anti-inflammatory Agents for the Management of Core and Associated Symptoms in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:215-229. [PMID: 36913130 PMCID: PMC10024667 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-00993-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with a so far poorly understood underlying pathogenesis, and few effective therapies for core symptoms. Accumulating evidence supports an association between ASD and immune/inflammatory processes, arising as a possible pathway for new drug intervention. However, current literature on the efficacy of immunoregulatory/anti-inflammatory interventions on ASD symptoms is still limited. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize and discuss the latest evidence on the use of immunoregulatory and/or anti-inflammatory agents for the management of this condition. During the last 10 years, several randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the effectiveness of (add-on) treatment with prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, minocycline, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), sulforaphane (SFN), and/or omega-3 fatty acids have been performed. Overall, a beneficial effect of prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, and/or omega-3 fatty acids on several core symptoms, such as stereotyped behavior, was found. (Add-on) treatment with prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, minocycline, NAC, SFN, and/or omega-3 fatty acids was also associated with a significantly higher improvement in other symptoms, such as irritability, hyperactivity, and/or lethargy when compared with placebo. The mechanisms by which these agents exert their action and improve symptoms of ASD are not fully understood. Interestingly, studies have suggested that all these agents may suppress microglial/monocyte proinflammatory activation and also restore several immune cell imbalances (e.g., T regulatory/T helper-17 cell imbalances), decreasing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and/or IL-17A, both in the blood and in the brain of individuals with ASD. Although encouraging, the performance of larger randomized placebo-controlled trials, including more homogeneous populations, dosages, and longer periods of follow-up, are urgently needed in order to confirm the findings and to provide stronger evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gara Arteaga-Henríquez
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- NCRR-The National Center for Register-Based Research, Aahrus University, Aahrus, Denmark
| | - Laura Gisbert
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Kverno K, Ramos-Marcuse F. Brain, Gut, and Immune Interconnections in Psychiatric Disorders: Implications for Treatment. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2023; 61:7-11. [PMID: 36881806 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20230215-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have linked the gut microbiota to psychiatric symptoms and disorders through complex bidirectional networks. The purpose of the current article is to describe the associations between the gut microbiota and brain in psychiatric disorders. Although there are no approved treatments, there are global efforts underway to find more accurate measures to guide treatment and research. In this brief review, we describe current conceptualizations regarding the complex interconnections between psychiatric disorders and the gut microbiota. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(3), 7-11.].
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Preliminary Findings of Elevated Inflammatory Plasma Cytokines in Children with Autism Who Have Co-Morbid Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020436. [PMID: 36830973 PMCID: PMC9952966 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (AU) is present in approximately 2% of the population and is often associated with co-morbidities that can impact quality of life. One of the most common co-morbidities in autism is the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms consisting of irregular bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habit. Evidence of immune infiltration and immune activation has been shown in the ileum and colon of children with AU with GI symptoms. Moreover, immune dysfunction is a contributing factor in many GI diseases, and we hypothesize that it would be more apparent in children with AU that exhibit GI symptoms than those who do not present with GI symptoms. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine whether there are altered cytokine levels in plasma in children with AU with GI symptoms compared with children with AU without GI symptoms, typically developing (TD) children with GI symptoms and TD children without GI symptoms, from the same population-based cohort. Plasma cytokine levels were assessed by multiplex assays. No differences in plasma cytokines were observed in TD controls with or without GI symptoms; however, many innate (IL-1α, TNFα, GM-CSF, IFNα) and adaptive cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-12p70) were increased in AU children with GI symptoms compared with children with AU with no GI symptoms. The mucosal relevant cytokine IL-15 was increased in AU with GI symptoms compared with all groups. In contrast, the regulatory cytokine IL-10, was reduced in AU with GI symptoms and may suggest an imbalance in pro-inflammatory/regulatory signals. These data suggest that children with AU and GI symptoms have an imbalance in their immune response that is evident in their circulating plasma cytokine levels. A finding that could point to potential therapeutic and/or monitoring strategies for GI issues in AU.
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Innate immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254. [PMID: 36494048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation.
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Lee H, Hsu JW, Tsai SJ, Huang KL, Bai YM, Su TP, Chen TJ, Chen MH. Risk of attention deficit hyperactivity and autism spectrum disorders among the children of parents with autoimmune diseases: a nationwide birth cohort study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:283-291. [PMID: 34387733 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies have suggested that maternal autoimmune diseases are associated with an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, research on the association of paternal autoimmune diseases with ADHD and ASD risk has remained inconclusive. Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we selected 708,517 family triads (father-mother-child) between 2001 and 2008 and followed them until the end of 2011. Parental autoimmune diseases as well as ADHD and ASD in children were identified during the study period. Increased ADHD risk in children in terms of hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was associated with prenatal exposure to paternal autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren's syndrome (HR: 8.41, 95% CI: 2.72-26.05), psoriasis (HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.05-3.63), and ankylosing spondylitis (HR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.29-2.15), as well as maternal autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09-2.15), type 1 diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.02-2.36), inflammatory bowel disease (HR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.59-3.52), psoriasis (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.00-2.87), and ankylosing spondylitis (HR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.11-3.86). However, ASD was only associated with paternal inflammatory bowel disease (HR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.15-8.28) and ankylosing spondylitis (HR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.10-6.39). Both paternal and maternal autoimmune diseases were associated with increased likelihood of ADHD in children. However, only paternal autoimmune diseases were related to offspring ASD risk. The precise pathomechanism underlying the correlation between parental autoimmunity and child neurodevelopment requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, 11217, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, 11217, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, 11217, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lin Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, 11217, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, 11217, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Ping Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, 11217, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Ji Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, 11217, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Inflammation and the Potential Implication of Macrophage-Microglia Polarization in Human ASD: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032703. [PMID: 36769026 PMCID: PMC9916462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032703] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous collection of neurodevelopmental disorders, difficult to diagnose and currently lacking treatment options. The possibility of finding reliable biomarkers useful for early identification would offer the opportunity to intervene with treatment strategies to improve the life quality of ASD patients. To date, there are many recognized risk factors for the development of ASD, both genetic and non-genetic. Although genetic and epigenetic factors may play a critical role, the extent of their contribution to ASD risk is still under study. On the other hand, non-genetic risk factors include pollution, nutrition, infection, psychological states, and lifestyle, all together known as the exposome, which impacts the mother's and fetus's life, especially during pregnancy. Pathogenic and non-pathogenic maternal immune activation (MIA) and autoimmune diseases can cause various alterations in the fetal environment, also contributing to the etiology of ASD in offspring. Activation of monocytes, macrophages, mast cells and microglia and high production of pro-inflammatory cytokines are indeed the cause of neuroinflammation, and the latter is involved in ASD's onset and development. In this review, we focused on non-genetic risk factors, especially on the connection between inflammation, macrophage polarization and ASD syndrome, MIA, and the involvement of microglia.
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Li H, Xu Y, Li W, Zhang L, Zhang X, Li B, Chen Y, Wang X, Zhu C. Novel insights into the immune cell landscape and gene signatures in autism spectrum disorder by bioinformatics and clinical analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1082950. [PMID: 36761165 PMCID: PMC9905846 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1082950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not well understood, especially in terms of immunity and inflammation, and there are currently no early diagnostic or treatment methods. In this study, we obtained six existing Gene Expression Omnibus transcriptome datasets from the blood of ASD patients. We performed functional enrichment analysis, PPI analysis, CIBERSORT algorithm, and Spearman correlation analysis, with a focus on expression profiling in hub genes and immune cells. We validated that monocytes and nonclassical monocytes were upregulated in the ASD group using peripheral blood (30 children with ASD and 30 age and sex-matched typically developing children) using flow cytometry. The receiver operating characteristic curves (PSMC4 and ALAS2) and analysis stratified by ASD severity (LIlRB1 and CD69) showed that they had predictive value using the "training" and verification groups. Three immune cell types - monocytes, M2 macrophages, and activated dendritic cells - had different degrees of correlation with 15 identified hub genes. In addition, we analyzed the miRNA-mRNA network and agents-gene interactions using miRNA databases (starBase and miRDB) and the DSigDB database. Two miRNAs (miR-342-3p and miR-1321) and 23 agents were linked with ASD. These findings suggest that dysregulation of the immune system may contribute to ASD development, especially dysregulation of monocytes and monocyte-derived cells. ASD-related hub genes may serve as potential predictors for ASD, and the potential ASD-related miRNAs and agents identified here may open up new strategies for the prevention and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,National Health Council (NHC) Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Population Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Changlian Zhu, ;;
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45
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Lee K, Mills Z, Cheung P, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. The Role of Zinc and NMDA Receptors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010001. [PMID: 36678498 PMCID: PMC9866730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Their unique properties and age-dependent arrangement of subunit types underpin their role as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activity during brain development and maturation. NMDAR function is highly modulated by zinc, which is co-released with glutamate and concentrates in postsynaptic spines. Both NMDARs and zinc have been strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that NMDARs are an important player in the beneficial effects observed with zinc in both animal models and children with ASDs. Significant evidence is emerging that these beneficial effects occur via zinc-dependent regulation of SHANK proteins, which form the backbone of the postsynaptic density. For example, dietary zinc supplementation enhances SHANK2 or SHANK3 synaptic recruitment and rescues NMDAR deficits and hypofunction in Shank3ex13-16-/- and Tbr1+/- ASD mice. Across multiple studies, synaptic changes occur in parallel with a reversal of ASD-associated behaviours, highlighting the zinc-dependent regulation of NMDARs and glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets for severe forms of ASDs, either pre- or postnatally. The data from rodent models set a strong foundation for future translational studies in human cells and people affected by ASDs.
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46
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Yu JJ, Goncharova EA. mTOR Signaling Network in Cell Biology and Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416142. [PMID: 36555783 PMCID: PMC9787689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates multiple processes, including gene transcription, protein synthesis, ribosome biogenesis, autophagy, cell metabolism, and cell growth [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane J. Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Elena A. Goncharova
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Lung Center, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 530-752-9405
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47
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Hughes HK, Yang H, Lesh TA, Carter CS, Ashwood P. Evidence of innate immune dysfunction in first-episode psychosis patients with accompanying mood disorder. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:287. [DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02648-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Inflammation and increases in inflammatory cytokines are common findings in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Meta-analyses of studies that measured circulating cytokines have provided evidence of innate inflammation across all three disorders, with some overlap of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. However, differences across disorders were also identified, including increased IL-4 in BD that suggest different immune mechanisms may be involved depending on the type of disorder present.
Methods
We sought to identify if the presence or absence of an affective disorder in first-episode psychotic (FEP) patients was associated with variations in cytokine production after stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). 98 participants were recruited and grouped into healthy controls (n = 45) and first-episode psychosis patients (n = 53). Psychosis patients were further grouped by presence (AFF; n = 22) or lack (NON; n = 31) of an affective disorder. We cultured isolated PBMC from all participants for 48 h at 37 °C under four separate conditions; (1) culture media alone for baseline, or the following three stimulatory conditions: (2) 25 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS), (3) 10 ng/mL phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and (4) 125 ng/ml α-CD3 plus 250 ng/ml α-CD28. Supernatants collected at 48 h were analyzed using multiplex Luminex assay to identify differences in cytokine and chemokine production. Results from these assays were then correlated to patient clinical assessments for positive and negative symptoms common to psychotic disorders.
Results
We found that PBMC from affective FEP patients produced higher concentrations of cytokines associated with both innate and adaptive immunity after stimulation than non-affective FEP patients and healthy controls. More specifically, the AFF PBMC produced increased tumor necrosis fctor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and others associated with innate inflammation. PBMC from AFF also produced increased IL-4, IL-17, interferon (IFN)γ, and other cytokines associated with adaptive immune activation, depending on stimulation. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines that differed at rest and after LPS stimulation correlated with Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) scores.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that immune dysfunction in affective psychosis may differ from that of primary psychotic disorders, and inflammation may be associated with increased negative symptoms. These findings could be helpful in determining clinical diagnosis after first psychotic episode.
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Shin HM, Oh J, J. Schmidt R, N. Pearce E. Prenatal Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction, and Child Autism Spectrum Disorder. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2022; 37:819-829. [PMID: 36415960 PMCID: PMC9816503 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2022.1598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with its high economic and societal costs, is a growing public health concern whose prevalence has risen steadily over the last two decades. Although actual increased incidence versus improved diagnosis remains controversial, the increased prevalence of ASD suggests non-inherited factors as likely contributors. There is increasing epidemiologic evidence that abnormal maternal thyroid function during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of child ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is known to disrupt thyroid function and can affect early brain development; thus, thyroid dysfunction is hypothesized to mediate this relationship. The concept of a potential pathway from prenatal PFAS exposure through thyroid dysfunction to ASD etiology is not new; however, the extant literature on this topic is scant. The aim of this review is to evaluate and summarize reports with regard to potential mechanisms in this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Moo Shin
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
- Corresponding author: Hyeong-Moo Shin. Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA Tel: +1-254-710-7627, Fax: +1-254-710-3409 E-mail:
| | - Jiwon Oh
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth N. Pearce
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Grivas G, Frye RE, Hahn J. Maternal risk factors vary between subpopulations of children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:2038-2055. [PMID: 36065595 PMCID: PMC9637779 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2809] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous work identified three subgroups of children with ASD based upon co-occurring conditions (COCs) diagnosed during the first 5 years of life. This work examines prenatal risk factors, given by maternal medical claims, for each of the three subgroups: children with a High-Prevalence of COCs, children with mainly developmental delay and seizures (DD/Seizure COCs), and children with a Low-Prevalence of COCs. While some risk factors are shared by all three subgroups, the majority of the factors identified for each subgroup were unique; infections, anti-inflammatory and other complex medications were associated with the High-Prevalence COCs group; immune deregulatory conditions such as asthma and joint disorders were associated with the DD/Seizure COCs group; and overall pregnancy complications were associated with the Low-Prevalence COCs group. Thus, we have found that the previously identified subgroups of children with ASD have distinct associated prenatal risk factors. As such, this work supports subgrouping children with ASD based upon COCs, which may provide a framework for elucidating some of the heterogeneity associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Grivas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
- OptumLabs Visiting Fellow, OptumsLabs, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344, United States
| | - Richard E. Frye
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, United States
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona 85016, United States
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
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50
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Altered meningeal immunity contributing to the autism-like behavior of BTBR T Itpr3/J mice. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100563. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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