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Sandhu A, Rawat K, Gautam V, Kumar A, Sharma A, Bhatia A, Grover S, Saini L, Saha L. Neuroprotective effect of PPAR gamma agonist in rat model of autism spectrum disorder: Role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 135:111126. [PMID: 39179196 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111126] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical manifestation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to the disruption of fundamental neurodevelopmental pathways. Emerging evidences claim to have an upregulation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway while downregulation of PPARγ pathway in ASD. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, in rat model of ASD. The study further explores the possible role of PPARγ and Wnt/β-catenin pathway and their interaction in ASD by using their modulators. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pregnant female Wistar rats received 600 mg/kg of valproic acid (VPA) to induce autistic symptoms in pups. Pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) was used to evaluate neurobehaviors, relative mRNA expression of inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), apoptotic markers (Bcl-2, Bax, & Caspase-3) and histopathology (H&E, Nissl stain, Immunohistochemistry). Effect of pioglitazone was evaluated on Wnt pathway and 4 μg/kg dose of 6-BIO (Wnt modulator) was used to study the PPARγ pathway. RESULTS ASD model was established in pups as indicated by core autistic symptoms, increased neuroinflammation, apoptosis and histopathological neurodegeneration in cerebellum, hippocampus and amygdala. Pioglitazone significantly attenuated these alterations in VPA-exposed rats. The expression study results indicated an increase in key transcription factor, β-catenin in VPA-rats suggesting an upregulation of canonical Wnt pathway in them. Pioglitazone significantly downregulated the Wnt signaling by suppressing the expression of Wnt signaling-associated proteins. The inhibiting effect of Wnt pathway on PPARγ activity was indicated by downregulation of PPARγ-associated protein in VPA-exposed rats and those administered with 6-BIO. CONCLUSION In the present study, upregulation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway was demonstrated in ASD rat model. Pioglitazone administration significantly ameliorated these symptoms potentially through its neuroprotective effect and its ability to downregulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The antagonism between the PPARγ and Wnt pathway offers a promising therapeutic approach for addressing ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arushi Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Kajal Rawat
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Vipasha Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Antika Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute ofMedical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Lokesh Saini
- Department of Paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001, India
| | - Lekha Saha
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India.
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Godavarthi SK, Li HQ, Pratelli M, Spitzer NC. Embryonic exposure to environmental factors drives transmitter switching in the neonatal mouse cortex causing autistic-like adult behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406928121. [PMID: 39178233 PMCID: PMC11363343 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406928121] [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: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be caused by environmental factors. These factors act early in the development of the nervous system and induce stereotyped repetitive behaviors and diminished social interactions, among other outcomes. Little is known about how these behaviors are produced. In pregnant women, delivery of valproic acid (VPA) (to control seizure activity or stabilize mood) or immune activation by a virus increases the incidence of ASD in offspring. We found that either VPA or Poly Inosine:Cytosine (which mimics a viral infection), administered at mouse embryonic day 12.5, induced a neurotransmitter switch from GABA to glutamate in PV- and CCK-expressing interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex by postnatal day 10. The switch was present for only a brief period during early postnatal development, observed in male and female mice at postnatal day 21 and reversed in both males and females by postnatal day 30. At postnatal day 90, male mice exhibited stereotyped repetitive behaviors and diminished social interaction while female mice exhibited only stereotyped repetitive behavior. Transfecting GAD1 in PV- and CCK-expressing interneurons at postnatal day 10, to reintroduce GABA expression, overrode the switch and prevented expression of autistic-like behavior. These findings point to an important role of neurotransmitter switching in mediating the environmental causes of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha K. Godavarthi
- Neurobiology Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Hui-quan Li
- Neurobiology Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Marta Pratelli
- Neurobiology Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Nicholas C. Spitzer
- Neurobiology Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
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Karimi Z, Zarifkar A, Mirzaei E, Dianatpour M, Dara M, Aligholi H. Therapeutic effects of nanosilibinin in valproic acid-zebrafish model of autism spectrum disorder: Focusing on Wnt signaling pathway and autism spectrum disorder-related cytokines. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024; 84:454-468. [PMID: 38961588 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10348] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we delved into the intricate world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its connection to the disturbance in the Wnt signaling pathway and immunological abnormalities. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of silibinin, a remarkable modulator of both the Wnt signaling pathway and the immune system, on the neurobehavioral and molecular patterns observed in a zebrafish model of ASD induced by valproic acid (VPA). Because silibinin is a hydrophobic molecule and highly insoluble in water, it was used in the form of silibinin nanoparticles (nanosilibinin, NS). After assessing survival, hatching rate, and morphology of zebrafish larvae exposed to different concentrations of NS, the appropriate concentrations were chosen. Then, zebrafish embryos were exposed to VPA (1 μM) and NS (100 and 200 μM) at the same time for 120 h. Next, anxiety and inattentive behaviors and the expression of CHD8, CTNNB, GSK3beta, LRP6, TNFalpha, IL1beta, and BDNF genes were assessed 7 days post fertilization. The results indicated that higher concentrations of NS had adverse effects on survival, hatching, and morphological development. The concentrations of 100 and 200 μM of NS could ameliorate the anxiety-like behavior and learning deficit and decrease ASD-related cytokines (IL1beta and TNFalpha) in VPA-treated larvae. In addition, only 100 μM of NS prevented raising the gene expression of Wnt signaling-related factors (CHD8, CTNNB, GSK3beta, and LRP6). In conclusion, NS treatment for the first 120 h showed therapeutic effect on an autism-like phenotype probably via reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines genes and changing the expression of Wnt signaling components genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Karimi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Asadollah Zarifkar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Dianatpour
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahintaj Dara
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Aligholi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Souza AJ, Freitas ÍS, Sharmin D, Cook JM, Guimarães FS, Gomes FV. An alpha 5-GABA A receptor positive allosteric modulator attenuates social and cognitive deficits without changing dopamine system hyperactivity in rats exposed to valproic acid in utero. Autism Res 2024; 17:1534-1544. [PMID: 39169698 PMCID: PMC11343091 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3178] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by core behavioral symptoms in the domains of sociability, language/communication, and repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. Deficits in the prefrontal and hippocampal excitatory/inhibitory balance due to a functional loss of GABAergic interneurons are proposed to underlie these symptoms. Increasing the postsynaptic effects of GABA with compounds that selectively modulate GABAergic receptors could be a potential target for treating ASD symptoms. In addition, deficits in GABAergic interneurons have been linked to dopamine (DA) system dysregulation, and, despite conflicting evidence, abnormalities in the DA system activity may underly some ASD symptoms. Here, we investigated whether the positive allosteric modulator of α5-containing GABAA receptors (α5-GABAARs) SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 (10 mg/kg) attenuates behavioral abnormalities in rats exposed to valproic acid (VPA) in utero, an established risk factor for autism. We also evaluated if animals exposed to VPA in utero present changes in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA system activity using in vivo electrophysiology and if SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 could attenuate these changes. SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before each behavioral test and electrophysiology. In utero VPA exposure caused male and female rats to present increased repetitive behavior (self-grooming) in early adolescence and deficits in social interaction in adulthood. Male, but not female VPA rats, also presented deficits in recognition memory as adults. SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 attenuated the impairments in sociability and cognitive function in male VPA-exposed rats without attenuating the decreased social interaction in females. Adult male and female VPA-exposed rats also showed an increased VTA DA neuron population activity, which was not changed by SH-053-2'F-R-CH3. Despite sex differences, our findings indicate that α5-GABAARs positive allosteric modulators may effectively attenuate some core ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Jesus Souza
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ícaro Silva Freitas
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Dishary Sharmin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, USA
| | - James M. Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Francisco S. Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe V. Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Shao W, Su Y, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhao J, Fan X. Understanding the link between different types of maternal diabetes and the onset of autism spectrum disorders. DIABETES & METABOLISM 2024; 50:101543. [PMID: 38761920 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2024.101543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders that exhibit impaired social interactions and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Although the exact cause of these disorders remains unknown, it is widely accepted that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to their onset and progression. Recent studies have highlighted the potential negative impact of maternal diabetes on embryonic neurodevelopment, suggesting that intrauterine hyperglycemia could pose an additional risk to early brain development and contribute to the development of ASD. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the current research on the relationship between various forms of maternal diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes mellitus, and the likelihood of ASD in offspring. The study elucidates the potential mechanisms through which maternal hyperglycemia affects fetal development, involving metabolic hormones, immune dysregulation, heightened oxidative stress, and epigenetic alterations. The findings of this review offer valuable insights for potential preventive measures and evidence-based interventions targeting ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Shao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yichun Su
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yulong Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jinghui Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Ergui I, Griffith N, Salama J, Ebner B, Dangl M, Vincent L, Razuk V, Marzouka G, Colombo R. In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Concomitant Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the United States: Insights From the National Inpatient Sample 2011-2020. Cureus 2024; 16:e60289. [PMID: 38746481 PMCID: PMC11093150 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60289] [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] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encounter significant barriers to receiving quality health care, particularly for acute conditions such as non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). This study addresses the critical gap in knowledge regarding in-hospital outcomes and the use of invasive therapies in this demographic. By analyzing data from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2011 to 2020 using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD-9) and Tenth Edition (ICD-10) codes, we identified patients with NSTEMI, both with and without NDDs, and compared baseline characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and the application of invasive treatments. The analysis involved a weighted sample of 7,482,216 NSTEMI hospitalizations, of which 30,168 (0.40%) patients had NDDs. There were significantly higher comorbidity-adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality, cardiac arrest, endotracheal intubation, infectious complications, ventricular arrhythmias, and restraint use among the NDD cohort. Conversely, this group exhibited lower adjusted odds of undergoing left heart catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. These findings underscore the disparities faced by patients with NDDs in accessing invasive cardiac interventions, highlighting the need for further research to address these barriers and improve care quality for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Ergui
- Internal Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Nayrana Griffith
- Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Joshua Salama
- Internal Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Bertrand Ebner
- Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Michael Dangl
- Internal Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Louis Vincent
- Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Victor Razuk
- Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - George Marzouka
- Cardiology, Miami Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami, USA
| | - Rosario Colombo
- Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
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Sanami S, Shamsabadi S, Dayhimi A, Pirhayati M, Ahmad S, Pirhayati A, Ajami M, Hemati S, Shirvani M, Alagha A, Abbarin D, Alizadeh A, Pazoki-Toroudi H. Association between cytomegalovirus infection and neurological disorders: A systematic review. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2532. [PMID: 38549138 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the Herpesviridae family and is also known as human herpesvirus type 5. It is a common virus that usually doesn't cause any symptoms in healthy individuals. However, once infected, the virus remains in the host's body for life and can reactivate when the host's immune system weakens. This virus has been linked to several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Autism spectrum disorder, Huntington's disease (HD), ataxia, Bell's palsy (BP), and brain tumours, which can cause a wide range of symptoms and challenges for those affected. CMV may influence inflammation, contribute to brain tissue damage, and elevate the risk of moderate-to-severe dementia. Multiple studies suggest a potential association between CMV and ataxia in various conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, acute cerebellitis, etc. On the other hand, the evidence regarding CMV involvement in BP is conflicting, and also early indications of a link between CMV and HD were challenged by subsequent research disproving CMV's presence. This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate any link between the pathogenesis of CMV and its potential role in neurological disorders and follows the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis checklist. Despite significant research into the potential links between CMV infection and various neurological disorders, the direct cause-effect relationship is not fully understood and several gaps in knowledge persist. Therefore, continued research is necessary to gain a better understanding of the role of CMV in neurological disorders and potential treatment avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Sanami
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Shahnam Shamsabadi
- Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Dayhimi
- Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Pirhayati
- Psychiatric Department, Rasool Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan
- Department of Computer Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Marjan Ajami
- National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hemati
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Masoud Shirvani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Salamat-Farda Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Alagha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Salamat-Farda Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Abbarin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Salamat-Farda Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Alizadeh
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Pazoki-Toroudi
- Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Harris ST, Schieve LA, Drews-Botsch C, DiGuiseppi C, Tian LH, Soke GN, Bradley CB, Windham GC. Pregnancy Planning and its Association with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:949-958. [PMID: 38198102 PMCID: PMC11001519 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03877-0] [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: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine associations between pregnancy planning and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. METHODS The Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), a multi-site case-control study, enrolled preschool-aged children with ASD, other DDs, and from the general population (POP). Some children with DDs had ASD symptoms but did not meet the ASD case definition. We examined associations between mother's report of trying to get pregnant (pregnancy planning) and (1) ASD and (2) ASD symptomatology (ASD group, plus DD with ASD symptoms group combined) (each vs. POP group). We computed odds ratios adjusted for demographic, maternal, health, and perinatal health factors (aORs) via logistic regression. Due to differential associations by race-ethnicity, final analyses were stratified by race-ethnicity. RESULTS Pregnancy planning was reported by 66.4%, 64.8%, and 76.6% of non-Hispanic White (NHW) mothers in the ASD, ASD symptomatology, and POP groups, respectively. Among NHW mother-child pairs, pregnancy planning was inversely associated with ASD (aOR = 0.71 [95% confidence interval 0.56-0.91]) and ASD symptomatology (aOR = 0.67 [0.54-0.84]). Pregnancy planning was much less common among non-Hispanic Black mothers (28-32% depending on study group) and Hispanic mothers (49-56%) and was not associated with ASD or ASD symptomatology in these two race-ethnicity groups. CONCLUSION Pregnancy planning was inversely associated with ASD and ASD symptomatology in NHW mother-child pairs. The findings were not explained by several adverse maternal or perinatal health factors. The associations observed in NHW mother-child pairs did not extend to other race-ethnicity groups, for whom pregnancy planning was lower overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shericka T Harris
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Mailstop S106-4, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
| | - Laura A Schieve
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Mailstop S106-4, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Carolyn Drews-Botsch
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS: 5B7, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Carolyn DiGuiseppi
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 80045, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lin H Tian
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Mailstop S106-4, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Gnakub N Soke
- Center for Global Health, Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Chyrise B Bradley
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Gayle C Windham
- California Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
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González-Rojas A, Valencia-Narbona M. Neurodevelopmental Disruptions in Children of Preeclamptic Mothers: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3632. [PMID: 38612445 PMCID: PMC11012011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073632] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure in the mother, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation and posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. PE causes placental changes that can affect the fetus, particularly neurodevelopment. Its key pathophysiological mechanisms encompass hypoxia, vascular and angiogenic dysregulation, inflammation, neuronal and glial alterations, and disruptions in neuronal signaling. Animal models indicate that PE is correlated with neurodevelopmental alterations and cognitive dysfunctions in offspring and in humans, an association between PE and conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sexual dimorphism has been observed. Considering the relevance for mothers and children, we conducted a narrative literature review to describe the relationships between the pathophysiological mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental alterations in the offspring of PE mothers, along with their potential consequences. Furthermore, we emphasize aspects pertinent to the prevention/treatment of PE in pregnant mothers and alterations observed in their offspring. The present narrative review offers a current, complete, and exhaustive analysis of (i) the pathophysiological mechanisms that can affect neurodevelopment in the children of PE mothers, (ii) the relationship between PE and neurological alterations in offspring, and (iii) the prevention/treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea González-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Aplicadas, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2950, Valparaíso 2340025, Chile;
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Dominguez-Alonso S, Carracedo A, Rodriguez-Fontenla C. eQTL colocalization analysis highlights novel susceptibility genes in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:336. [PMID: 37907504 PMCID: PMC10618232 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02621-0] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. ASD has proven to have a strong genetic component. However, defining causal genes is still one of the main challenges in GWAS, since the vast majority (>90%) of detected signals lie within the non-coding genome. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) colocalization analysis determines whether a specific variant is responsible for both a local eQTL and GWAS association and has helped leverage data and rendering gene discovery for a wide array of diseases. Here we further mine the largest ASD GWAS performed to date (18,381 cases and 27,969 controls) altogether with GWAS summary statistics from the main PGC studies (Schizophrenia, MD (Major Depression) and ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)), by using eQTpLot, a newly developed tool that illustrates the colocalization of GWAS and eQTL signals in a locus, and the enrichment of and correlation between the candidate gene eQTLs and trait-significant variants. This analysis points up 8 genes with a significant eQTL colocalization signal in ASD (CRHR1, KANSL1, MANBA, MAPT, MMP12, NKX2-2, PTPRE and WNT3) and one gene (SRPK2) with a marginally significant colocalization signal (r = 0.69, p < 1 × 10-6), and specifically highlights the potentially causal role of MAPT (r = 0.76, p < 1 × 10-6), NKX2-2 (r = 0.71, p-value = 2.26-02) and PTPRE (r = 0.97, p-value = 2.63-04) when restricting the analysis to brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dominguez-Alonso
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Carracedo
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - C Rodriguez-Fontenla
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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11
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Pavlov D, Gorlova A, Haque A, Cavalcante C, Svirin E, Burova A, Grigorieva E, Sheveleva E, Malin D, Efimochkina S, Proshin A, Umriukhin A, Morozov S, Strekalova T. Maternal Chronic Ultrasound Stress Provokes Immune Activation and Behavioral Deficits in the Offspring: A Mouse Model of Neurodevelopmental Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11712. [PMID: 37511470 PMCID: PMC10380915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders stemming from maternal immune activation can significantly affect a child's life. A major limitation in pre-clinical studies is the scarcity of valid animal models that accurately mimic these challenges. Among the available models, administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to pregnant females is a widely used paradigm. Previous studies have reported that a model of 'emotional stress', involving chronic exposure of rodents to ultrasonic frequencies, induces neuroinflammation, aberrant neuroplasticity, and behavioral deficits. In this study, we explored whether this model is a suitable paradigm for maternal stress and promotes neurodevelopmental abnormalities in the offspring of stressed females. Pregnant dams were exposed to ultrasound stress for 21 days. A separate group was injected with LPS on embryonic days E11.5 and E12.5 to mimic prenatal infection. The behavior of the dams and their female offspring was assessed using the sucrose test, open field test, and elevated plus maze. Additionally, the three-chamber sociability test and Barnes maze were used in the offspring groups. ELISA and qPCR were used to examine pro-inflammatory changes in the blood and hippocampus of adult females. Ultrasound-exposed adult females developed a depressive-like syndrome, hippocampal overexpression of GSK-3β, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increased serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, RANTES, and TNFα. The female offspring also displayed depressive-like behavior, as well as cognitive deficits. These abnormalities were comparable to the behavioral changes induced by LPS. The ultrasound stress model can be a promising animal paradigm of neurodevelopmental pathology associated with prenatal 'emotional stress'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii Pavlov
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Gorlova
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Abrar Haque
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Carlos Cavalcante
- Department of Human Health and Science, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Evgeniy Svirin
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alisa Burova
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Grigorieva
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Sheveleva
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Malin
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofia Efimochkina
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Proshin
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksei Umriukhin
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Morozov
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Paudel R, Singh S. Selection of Young Animal Models of Autism over Adult: Benefits and Limitations. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2023; 57:697-712. [PMID: 33447895 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-020-09595-4] [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] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental broad-spectrum disorder characterized by social interaction, and aberrant restrictive and repetitive behavior. The complex pathophysiology and unexplored drug targets make it difficult to standardize and validate the animal models of autism. The review was purposed for determining the benefits of younger animal models over adult models of autism. Similarly, animal models with respect to age, sex, body weight, number of animals used, along with autism inducing agents have been reviewed in this article. The differentiation of behavioral parameters has shown the benefits in the selection of younger animal models. Thus, we conclude that young and adolescence animal models of autism will be supporting for early detection and interventions with significant results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Paudel
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Shamsher Singh
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India.
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13
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Stoccoro A, Conti E, Scaffei E, Calderoni S, Coppedè F, Migliore L, Battini R. DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Young Children with Idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9138. [PMID: 37298088 PMCID: PMC10252672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119138] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, the underlying pathological mechanisms of which are not yet completely understood. Although several genetic and genomic alterations have been linked to ASD, for the majority of ASD patients, the cause remains unknown, and the condition likely arises due to complex interactions between low-risk genes and environmental factors. There is increasing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms that are highly sensitive to environmental factors and influence gene function without altering the DNA sequence, particularly aberrant DNA methylation, are involved in ASD pathogenesis. This systematic review aimed to update the clinical application of DNA methylation investigations in children with idiopathic ASD, investigating its potential application in clinical settings. To this end, a literature search was performed on different scientific databases using a combination of terms related to the association between peripheral DNA methylation and young children with idiopathic ASD; this search led to the identification of 18 articles. In the selected studies, DNA methylation is investigated in peripheral blood or saliva samples, at both gene-specific and genome-wide levels. The results obtained suggest that peripheral DNA methylation could represent a promising methodology in ASD biomarker research, although further studies are needed to develop DNA-methylation-based clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Conti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Scaffei
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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14
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Dominguez-Alonso S, Carracedo A, Rodriguez-Fontenla C. The non-coding genome in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104752. [PMID: 37023975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. While ASD have been proven to have a strong genetic component, current research largely focuses on coding regions of the genome. However, non-coding DNA, which makes up for ∼99% of the human genome, has recently been recognized as an important contributor to the high heritability of ASD, and novel sequencing technologies have been a milestone in opening up new directions for the study of the gene regulatory networks embedded within the non-coding regions. Here, we summarize current progress on the contribution of non-coding alterations to the pathogenesis of ASD and provide an overview of existing methods allowing for the study of their functional relevance, discussing potential ways of unraveling ASD's "missing heritability".
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dominguez-Alonso
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Carracedo
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - C Rodriguez-Fontenla
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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15
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Moghaddam AH, Eslami A, Jelodar SK, Ranjbar M, Hasantabar V. Preventive effect of quercetin-Loaded nanophytosome against autistic-like damage in maternal separation model: The possible role of Caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 and Nrf2. Behav Brain Res 2023; 441:114300. [PMID: 36642103 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The autism is an abnormality in the neuronal advance which starts before age 3 recognized by defective behaviors. This study aimed to make quercetin-loaded nanophytosomes (QNP) on behavioral deficits, cerebellar oxidative stress and apoptosis in an autistic-like model caused by maternal separation (MS). The newborn rats are randomly categorized into seven groups, including control, positive control, disease, and diseases treated with quercetin (10 and 40 mg/kg) and QNP (10 and 40 mg/kg). Pups exposed to MS for 3 h per day from postnatal days (PND) 1-9 showed behavioral impairment in adult rats compared to control group. The oral administration of quercetin and QNP was constantly started after the lactation period (21 postnatal days) for three weeks. Autistic-like behaviors, antioxidant parameters, and Nrf2, Bax/Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 expressions were surveyed in the cerebellum. Quercetin (40 mg/kg) treated improved some behavioral disorders. Also, the improvement of oxidative stress parameters, Nrf2 and apoptotic factors gene expression was observed in the cerebellum of quercetin (40 mg/kg) treated (p < 0.01). QNP treatment (10 and 40 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors, line crossing, and grooming index (p < 0.001), lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001), and increased catalase (CAT) (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (p < 0.001) activity, and glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, QNP significantly reduced Caspase-3 and Bax expression (p < 0.001), but increased Bcl-2, and Nrf2 expressions (p < 0.001). These findings indicated that QNP due to its high bioavailability was more effective than quercetin can be reduced autistic-like behavior, oxidative and apoptotic damages in the model of MS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Eslami
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | | | - Mojtaba Ranjbar
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Vahid Hasantabar
- Department of Organic Polymer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
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16
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Sex-Related Changes in the Clinical, Genetic, Electrophysiological, Connectivity, and Molecular Presentations of ASD: A Comparison between Human and Animal Models of ASD with Reference to Our Data. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043287. [PMID: 36834699 PMCID: PMC9965966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetic, environmental, and epigenetic. In addition to sex differences in the prevalence of ASD, which is 3-4 times more common in males, there are also distinct clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. In human, males with ASD have more externalizing problems (i.e., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), more severe communication and social problems, as well as repetitive movements. Females with ASD generally exhibit fewer severe communication problems, less repetitive and stereotyped behavior, but more internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety. Females need a higher load of genetic changes related to ASD compared to males. There are also sex differences in brain structure, connectivity, and electrophysiology. Genetic or non-genetic experimental animal models of ASD-like behavior, when studied for sex differences, showed some neurobehavioral and electrophysiological differences between male and female animals depending on the specific model. We previously carried out studies on behavioral and molecular differences between male and female mice treated with valproic acid, either prenatally or early postnatally, that exhibited ASD-like behavior and found distinct differences between the sexes, the female mice performing better on tests measuring social interaction and undergoing changes in the expression of more genes in the brain compared to males. Interestingly, co-administration of S-adenosylmethionine alleviated the ASD-like behavioral symptoms and the gene-expression changes to the same extent in both sexes. The mechanisms underlying the sex differences are not yet fully understood.
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17
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Li J, Xu X, Liu J, Zhang S, Tan X, Li Z, Zhang J, Wang Z. Decoding microRNAs in autism spectrum disorder. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:535-546. [PMID: 36457702 PMCID: PMC9685394 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-a congenital mental disorder accompanied by social dysfunction and stereotyped behaviors-has attracted a great deal of attention worldwide. A combination of genetic and environmental factors may determine the pathogenesis of ASD. Recent research of multiple ASD models indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a central role at the onset and progression of ASD by repressing the translation of key mRNAs in neural development and functions. As such, miRNAs show great potential to serve as biomarkers for ASD diagnosis or prognosis and therapeutic targets for the treatment of ASD. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms by which miRNAs influence ASD phenotypes through various in vivo and in vitro models, including necropsy specimens, animal models, cellular models, and, in particular, induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with ASD. We then discuss the potential of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for ASD currently being evaluated in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Jiane Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Sudan Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xiaohua Tan
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University & the Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University, Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
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18
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Santana EFM, Esteves AMF, Delorenzo DG, Hygino C, Werner H, Araujo Júnior E. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Prenatal Diagnosis Using Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-A Report of Two Cases. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2022; 33:113-116. [PMID: 36855718 PMCID: PMC9968546 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758196] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multiple system neurocutaneous syndrome with a genetic disorder caused by different mutations in TSC1 or TSC2. Usually, TSC causes tumors in the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and lungs. However, tumors can also develop in any other organs. The prenatal diagnosis of TCS is based on the identification of fetal cardiac tumors by ultrasound and brain subependymal nodules, usually identified by fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We present two case reports of the prenatal diagnosis of TCS using both ultrasound and MRI, which were confirmed by clinical and radiological methods in the postnatal period accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Maria Faria Esteves
- Service of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Municipal University Hospital of São Bernardo do Campo, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Daniella Guerra Delorenzo
- Service of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Municipal University Hospital of São Bernardo do Campo, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Celso Hygino
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Clínica de Diagnóstico por Imagem (CDPI), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heron Werner
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Clínica de Diagnóstico por Imagem (CDPI), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edward Araujo Júnior
- Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine - Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil,Address for correspondence Edward Araujo Júnior, PhD Rua Belchior de Azevedo156 apto. 111 Torre Vitoria, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 05089-030
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19
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Lin TL, Lu CC, Chen TW, Huang CW, Lu JJ, Lai WF, Wu TS, Lai CH, Lai HC, Chen YL. Amelioration of Maternal Immune Activation-Induced Autism Relevant Behaviors by Gut Commensal Parabacteroides goldsteinii. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13070. [PMID: 36361859 PMCID: PMC9657948 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by cognitive inflexibility and social deficits. Probiotics have been demonstrated to play a promising role in managing the severity of ASD. However, there are no effective probiotics for clinical use. Identifying new probiotic strains for ameliorating ASD is therefore essential. Using the maternal immune activation (MIA)-based offspring ASD-like mouse model, a probiotic-based intervention strategy was examined in female mice. The gut commensal microbe Parabacteroides goldsteinii MTS01, which was previously demonstrated to exert multiple beneficial effects on chronic inflammation-related-diseases, was evaluated. Prenatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure induced leaky gut-related inflammatory phenotypes in the colon, increased LPS activity in sera, and induced autistic-like behaviors in offspring mice. By contrast, P. goldsteinii MTS01 treatment significantly reduced intestinal and systemic inflammation and ameliorated disease development. Transcriptomic analyses of MIA offspring indicated that in the intestine, P. goldsteinii MTS01 enhanced neuropeptide-related signaling and suppressed aberrant cell proliferation and inflammatory responses. In the hippocampus, P. goldsteinii MTS01 increased ribosomal/mitochondrial and antioxidant activities and decreased glutamate receptor signaling. Together, significant ameliorative effects of P. goldsteinii MTS01 on ASD relevant behaviors in MIA offspring were identified. Therefore, P. goldsteinii MTS01 could be developed as a next-generation probiotic for ameliorating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Lung Lin
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Microbiota Research Center and Emerging Viral Infections Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Cha-Chen Lu
- Microbiota Research Center and Emerging Viral Infections Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Chest Medicine, Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wen Chen
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Center For Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Huang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Jang-Jih Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Fan Lai
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Shu Wu
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ho Lai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chih Lai
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Microbiota Research Center and Emerging Viral Infections Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine and Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Medical Research Center, Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital, Xiamen 361028, China
| | - Ya-Lei Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung 82446, Taiwan
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20
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Liu X, Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhang D, Yang Q, Hu P, Li F. LncRNA MEG3 activates CDH2 expression by recruitment of EP300 in valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder. Neurosci Lett 2022; 783:136726. [PMID: 35697159 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
LncRNAs partake in the biological processes contributing to development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) on viability and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons from ASD rats. Rats with ASD were induced using valproic acid (VPA) with normal saline (NS) as control. We performed microarray analysis on hippocampal tissues of NS rats and ASD rats to screen the differentially expressed lncRNAs. MEG3 loss in rats alleviated the impairment of learning and memory abilities induced by VPA, and promoted neuronal viability and inhibited apoptosis. MEG3 could recruit the transcription factor E1A binding protein p300 (EP300) in the nucleus and promote the cadherin 2 (CDH2) expression. CDH2 depletion in rats ameliorated the impairment of learning and memory capacities in ASD rats. After upregulation of CDH2 in neurons with sh-MEG3, we found diminished viability and increased apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of ASD rats. Taken together, MEG3 supports activation of CDH2 via EP300, thus repressing the viability of hippocampal neurons. Therefore, MEG3 upregulation may be partially responsible for the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Zhenfang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Dingxiang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Qinghua Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Pengjuan Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030013, Shanxi, PR China.
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21
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Persson M, Reichenberg A, Andersson Franko M, Sandin S. Maternal type 1 diabetes, pre-term birth and risk of autism spectrum disorder-a prospective cohort study. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 52:377-385. [PMID: 35657363 PMCID: PMC10114059 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that maternal type 1 diabetes (T1D) increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the offspring. However, it is unclear whether this risk is mediated by pre-term birth, affecting around one-third of pregnancies with T1D, and whether maternal levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) impact the risk. METHODS A cohort of 1.4 million Swedish children born between 1998 and 2015, and their parents. Maternal T1D and HbA1c before or in early pregnancy, gestational and ASD diagnoses were obtained from Swedish national registers. Relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs of ASD were estimated by hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox regression or RR from log-binomial regression. RESULTS Of 1 406 650 children, 8003 (0.6%) were born to mothers with T1D, 24 941 (1.8%) were diagnosed with ASD and 81 915 (5.8%) were born pre-term. The risk of ASD was increased in offspring of mothers with T1D was HR = 1.40 (1.21-1.61). The RR for each +5-mmol/mol excess HbA1c was estimated at HR = 1.03 (0.97-1.10). The T1D effect on ASD mediated through pre-term birth was estimated at RR = 1.06 (1.05 to 1.08), corresponding to 22% (16% to 41%) of the total effect. T1D in pregnancy was associated with increased ASD risk in the offspring. Twenty percent of the total effect was accounted for by pre-term birth. HbA1c was not associated with ASD risk, beyond the risk associated by the T1D diagnosis itself. CONCLUSION Awareness of ASD in the offspring of mothers with T1D may be warranted, especially considering the additional effect of pre-term birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Persson
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Division of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Abraham Reichenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Mikael Andersson Franko
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Division of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Sandin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Assimopoulos S, Hammill C, Fernandes DJ, Spencer Noakes TL, Zhou YQ, Nutter LMJ, Ellegood J, Anagnostou E, Sled JG, Lerch JP. Genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder present subtle heterogenous cardiac abnormalities. Autism Res 2022; 15:1189-1208. [PMID: 35445787 PMCID: PMC9325472 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and congenital heart disease (CHD) are linked on a functional and genetic level. Most work has investigated CHD‐related neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Cardiac abnormalities in ASD have been less studied. We investigated the prevalence of cardiac comorbidities relative to ASD genetic contributors. Using high frequency ultrasound imaging, we screened 9 ASD‐related genetic mouse models (Arid1b(+/−), Chd8(+/−), 16p11.2 (deletion), Sgsh(+/−), Sgsh(−/−), Shank3 Δexon 4–9(+/−), Shank3 Δexon 4–9(−/−), Fmr1(−/−), Vps13b(+/−)), and pooled wild‐type littermates (WTs). We measured heart rate (HR), aorta diameter (AoD), thickness and thickening of the left‐ventricular (LV) anterior and posterior walls, LV chamber diameter, fractional shortening, stroke volume and cardiac output, mitral inflow Peak E and A velocity ratio, ascending aorta velocity time integral (VTI). Mutant groups presented small‐scale alterations in cardiac structure and function compared to WTs (LV anterior wall thickness and thickening, chamber diameter and fractional shortening, HR). A greater number of significant differences was observed among mutant groups than between mutant groups and WTs. Mutant groups differed primarily in structural measures (LV chamber diameter and anterior wall thickness, HR, AoD). The mutant groups with most differences to WTs were 16p11.2 (deletion), Fmr1(−/−), Arid1b(+/−). The mutant groups with most differences from other mutant groups were 16p11.2 (deletion), Sgsh(+/−), Fmr1(−/−). Our results recapitulate the associated clinical findings. The characteristic ASD heterogeneity was recapitulated in the cardiac phenotype. The type of abnormal measures (morphological, functional) can highlight common underlying mechanisms. Clinically, knowledge of cardiac abnormalities in ASD can be essential as even non‐lethal abnormalities impact normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephania Assimopoulos
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Hammill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren J Fernandes
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Leigh Spencer Noakes
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu-Qing Zhou
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauryl M J Nutter
- Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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23
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Shehi E, Shah H, Singh A, Pampana VS, Kaur G. The Linkage Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dup15q Syndrome: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e24205. [PMID: 35592194 PMCID: PMC9112844 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24205] [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] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently have a variable presentation and can suffer from underlying conditions, such as Chromosome 15 abnormalities] The broad diagnosis of ASD and its debilitating symptoms can overshadow underlying conditions and delay crucial interventions. This report describes a male child who was diagnosed with ASD at the early age of 19 months. Hallmark symptoms seen in this case included lack of social eye contact, lack of joint attention, hand-flapping, and missed motor milestones. Genetic methylation assay revealed a duplication on maternally derived chromosome 15, indicating concurrent 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome (Dup15q). Screening assessments for ASD are an important step in the initial management of developmental abnormalities. However, early genetic screening can lead to a more accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and better quality of life in patients with atypical symptoms caused by undiagnosed comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erisa Shehi
- Basic Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Middletown, USA
| | - Herisha Shah
- Basic Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Middletown, USA
| | - Adityabikram Singh
- Basic Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers University New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA
| | | | - Gurjinder Kaur
- Basic Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Middletown, USA
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24
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Jenabi E, Ahmadi M, Maleki A. Is fetal nuchal cord associated with autism spectrum disorder? A meta-analysis. Clin Exp Pediatr 2022; 65:131-135. [PMID: 34592803 PMCID: PMC8898620 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2021.00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is inconsistent evidence about the association between fetal nuchal cord and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We performed a meta-analysis to investigate whether fetal nuchal cord is associated with an increased risk of ASD in offspring. METHODS Three main English databases were searched until January 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Study heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistic, while publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests. Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and relative ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and were determined by a random-effects model. RESULTS Five articles (1 cohort, 4 case-control; 3,088 total children) were included in the present meta-analysis. Fetal nuchal cord was not a risk factor for ASD (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.66-1.57). There was homogeneity among studies that reported a risk of ASD (I2=0.0%). CONCLUSION Our results showed that fetal nuchal cord is not a risk factor for ASD. Future large cohort studies should confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensiyeh Jenabi
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Ahmadi
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Fatemieh Hospital, Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Azam Maleki
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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25
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Tayanloo-Beik A, Hamidpour SK, Abedi M, Shojaei H, Tavirani MR, Namazi N, Larijani B, Arjmand B. Zebrafish Modeling of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Current Status and Future Prospective. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:911770. [PMID: 35911241 PMCID: PMC9329562 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.911770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a complicated range of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders which can occur via genetic or non-genetic factors. Clinically, ASD is associated with problems in relationships, social interactions, and behaviors that pose many challenges for children with ASD and their families. Due to the complexity, heterogeneity, and association of symptoms with some neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and sleep disorders, clinical trials have not yielded reliable results and there still remain challenges in drug discovery and development pipeline for ASD patients. One of the main steps in promoting lead compounds to the suitable drug for commercialization is preclinical animal testing, in which the efficacy and toxicity of candidate drugs are examined in vivo. In recent years, zebrafish have been able to attract the attention of many researchers in the field of neurological disorders such as ASD due to their outstanding features. The presence of orthologous genes for ASD modeling, the anatomical similarities of parts of the brain, and similar neurotransmitter systems between zebrafish and humans are some of the main reasons why scientists draw attention to zebrafish as a prominent animal model in preclinical studies to discover highly effective treatment approaches for the ASD through genetic and non-genetic modeling methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Tayanloo-Beik
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Kokabi Hamidpour
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Abedi
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamide Shojaei
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nazli Namazi
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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26
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Vallés AS, Barrantes FJ. Dysregulation of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Cholesterol Crosstalk in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:744597. [PMID: 34803605 PMCID: PMC8604044 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.744597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of complex neurodevelopmental diseases that include impaired social interaction, delayed and disordered language, repetitive or stereotypic behavior, restricted range of interests, and altered sensory processing. The underlying causes of the core symptoms remain unclear, as are the factors that trigger their onset. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of the clinical phenotypes, a constellation of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and immunological factors may be involved. The lack of appropriate biomarkers for the evaluation of neurodevelopmental disorders makes it difficult to assess the contribution of early alterations in neurochemical processes and neuroanatomical and neurodevelopmental factors to ASD. Abnormalities in the cholinergic system in various regions of the brain and cerebellum are observed in ASD, and recently altered cholesterol metabolism has been implicated at the initial stages of the disease. Given the multiple effects of the neutral lipid cholesterol on the paradigm rapid ligand-gated ion channel, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, we explore in this review the possibility that the dysregulation of nicotinic receptor-cholesterol crosstalk plays a role in some of the neurological alterations observed in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Vallés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (UNS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (BIOMED), UCA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Abelson N, Meiri G, Solomon S, Flusser H, Michaelovski A, Dinstein I, Menashe I. Association Between Antenatal Antimicrobial Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Nested Case-Control Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:771232. [PMID: 34867555 PMCID: PMC8639519 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.771232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Multiple prenatal factors have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. However, current data about the association between antimicrobial use during pregnancy and ASD is limited. Methods: A nested matched case-control study of children with ASD (cases), and children without ASD or other psychiatric or genetic disorders (controls). We compared the use of antimicrobial therapy during the 3 months before conception or during pregnancy between mothers of cases and controls and used multivariate conditional logistic regression models to assess the independent association between maternal use of antimicrobials during pregnancy and the risk of ASD in their offspring. Results: More than half of the mothers in the study (54.1%) used antimicrobial drugs during the 3 months before conception or during pregnancy. Rates of antimicrobial use were lower for mothers of children with ASD compared to mothers of controls (49.0 vs. 55.1%, respectively; p = 0.02), especially during the third trimester of pregnancy (18.8 vs. 22.9%, respectively; p = 0.03), and for the use of penicillins (15.7 vs. 19.7%, respectively; p = 0.06). These case-control differences suggest that antimicrobial administration during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of ASD in the offspring (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.61-0.92). Interestingly, this association was seen only among Jewish but not for the Bedouin mothers (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48-0.79 and aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.82-1.79). Conclusions: The reduced risk of ASD associated with prenatal antimicrobials use only in the Jewish population suggest the involvement of other ethnic differences in healthcare services utilization in this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Abelson
- Joyce & Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Gal Meiri
- Pre-School Psychiatry Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shirley Solomon
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hagit Flusser
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Analya Michaelovski
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ilan Dinstein
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Psychology Department, and Cognitive and Brain Sciences Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Menashe
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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28
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Northcutt KV, Leal-Medina TS, Yoon YS. Early postnatal hypothyroidism reduces juvenile play behavior, but prenatal hypothyroidism compensates for these effects. Physiol Behav 2021; 241:113594. [PMID: 34536436 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113594] [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: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal hypothyroidism causes long-lasting effects on behavior, including hyperactivity, cognitive delays/deficits, and a reduction in anxiety. Although there is some evidence that hypothyroidism during fetal development in humans has been associated with later autism spectrum disorder diagnosis or autism-like traits, the relationships between early thyroid hormones and social behaviors are largely unknown. Previously, we found that a moderate dose of the hypothyroid-inducing drug methimazole during embryonic and postnatal development dramatically increased juvenile play in male and female rats. The goal of the current study was to determine the extent to which thyroid hormones act in prenatal or postnatal development to organize later social behaviors. Subjects were exposed to methimazole in the drinking water during prenatal (embryonic day 12 to birth), postnatal (birth to postnatal day 23), or pre- and postnatal development; control animals received regular drinking water throughout the experiment. They were tested for play behavior as juveniles (P30-32). We found an interaction between pre- and postnatal methimazole administration such that postnatal hypothyroidism decreased some play behaviors, whereas sustained pre- and postnatal hypothyroidism restored play to control levels. The effects were similar in males and females. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an interaction between pre- and postnatal hypothyroidism on later behavior. The complexity of the timing of these effects may help explain why epidemiological studies have not consistently found a relationship between gestational hypothyroidism and later behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine V Northcutt
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Mercer University, 1501 Mercer University Dr., Macon, GA 31207, USA.
| | - Tanya S Leal-Medina
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Mercer University, 1501 Mercer University Dr., Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Ye S Yoon
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Mercer University, 1501 Mercer University Dr., Macon, GA 31207, USA
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29
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Zhu B, Deng F, Yan S, Huang K, Wu X, Tao X, Wang S, Tao F. Gestational diabetes mellitus, autistic traits and ADHD symptoms in toddlers: Placental inflammatory and oxidative stress cytokines do not play an intermediary role. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 134:105435. [PMID: 34649104 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased risks of autistic traits and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among offspring and whether placental inflammatory and oxidative stress cytokines play an intermediary role. METHODS Based on a prospective cohort study from China, namely, the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort study (MABC), 3260 mother-child pairs were included. Autistic traits and ADHD symptoms among children were assessed at 18 months and 36 months, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of fourteen placental cytokines were determined using PCR. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between GDM and the risks of autistic traits or ADHD symptoms. Mediation analysis was used to assess the potential mediation effects of certain placental inflammatory factors. RESULTS Of the 3260 children, 419 (12.85%) were exposed to GDM. The prevalence rates of autistic traits and ADHD symptoms were 13.86% and 6.4%, respectively. A 48.6% increased risk of autistic traits was observed among offspring born to mothers with GDM [odds ratio (OR) = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.11-2.00)], while no significant association was found in terms of ADHD symptoms. There were significant positive associations between GDM and IL-10 expression and between HIF1-α and CRP mRNA expression and a significant negative association between GDM and CD206 mRNA expression. The expression of MCP-1 mRNA was negatively associated with the risk of autistic traits [adjusted OR = 0.73 (95%CI: 0.73-0.55)]. The levels of TNF-α were positively associated with the risk of ADHD symptoms [OR = 2.11 (95%CI: 1.39-3.21)], while GRP78 was inversely associated with it [OR = 0.64 (95%CI: 0.44-0.94)]. However, none of the 14 placental cytokines was involved as a key mediator. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that GDM may act as a risk factor for autistic traits in offspring, while the biological mechanisms may not involve the 14 placental cytokines studied. No significant association between GDM and ADHD symptoms was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fen Deng
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health Care Center, Ma'anshan, China
| | - Kun Huang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xingyong Tao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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30
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Neri de Souza Reis V, Tahira AC, Daguano Gastaldi V, Mari P, Portolese J, Feio dos Santos AC, Lisboa B, Mari J, Caetano SC, Brunoni D, Bordini D, Silvestre de Paula C, Vêncio RZN, Quackenbush J, Brentani H. Environmental Influences Measured by Epigenetic Clock and Vulnerability Components at Birth Impact Clinical ASD Heterogeneity. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091433. [PMID: 34573415 PMCID: PMC8467464 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is recognized as being heavily influenced by genetic factors, the role of epigenetic and environmental factors is still being established. This study aimed to identify ASD vulnerability components based on familial history and intrauterine environmental stress exposure, explore possible vulnerability subgroups, access DNA methylation age acceleration (AA) as a proxy of stress exposure during life, and evaluate the association of ASD vulnerability components and AA to phenotypic severity measures. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to search the vulnerability components from 67 mothers of autistic children. We found that PC1 had a higher correlation with psychosocial stress (maternal stress, maternal education, and social class), and PC2 had a higher correlation with biological factors (psychiatric family history and gestational complications). Comparing the methylome between above and below PC1 average subgroups we found 11,879 statistically significant differentially methylated probes (DMPs, p < 0.05). DMPs CpG sites were enriched in variably methylated regions (VMRs), most showing environmental and genetic influences. Hypermethylated probes presented higher rates in different regulatory regions associated with functional SNPs, indicating that the subgroups may have different affected regulatory regions and their liability to disease explained by common variations. Vulnerability components score moderated by epigenetic clock AA was associated with Vineland Total score (p = 0.0036, adjR2 = 0.31), suggesting risk factors with stress burden can influence ASD phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Neri de Souza Reis
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Ana Carolina Tahira
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Daguano Gastaldi
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Paula Mari
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Joana Portolese
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Ana Cecilia Feio dos Santos
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Básicas em Malária—Entomologia, Seção de Parasitologia—Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 66093-020, PA, Brazil
| | - Bianca Lisboa
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Jair Mari
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (J.M.); (S.C.C.); (D.B.); (C.S.d.P.)
| | - Sheila C. Caetano
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (J.M.); (S.C.C.); (D.B.); (C.S.d.P.)
| | - Décio Brunoni
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM), São Paulo 01302-907, SP, Brazil;
| | - Daniela Bordini
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (J.M.); (S.C.C.); (D.B.); (C.S.d.P.)
| | - Cristiane Silvestre de Paula
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (J.M.); (S.C.C.); (D.B.); (C.S.d.P.)
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM), São Paulo 01302-907, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ricardo Z. N. Vêncio
- Departamento de Computação e Matemática FFCLRP-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil;
| | - John Quackenbush
- Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; or
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Helena Brentani
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(11)-99-931-4349
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Shmeleva EV, Colucci F. Maternal natural killer cells at the intersection between reproduction and mucosal immunity. Mucosal Immunol 2021; 14:991-1005. [PMID: 33903735 PMCID: PMC8071844 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-00374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many maternal immune cells populate the decidua, which is the mucosal lining of the uterus transformed during pregnancy. Here, abundant natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages help the uterine vasculature adapt to fetal demands for gas and nutrients, thereby supporting fetal growth. Fetal trophoblast cells budding off the forming placenta and invading deep into maternal tissues come into contact with these and other immune cells. Besides their homeostatic functions, decidual NK cells can respond to pathogens during infection, but in doing so, they may become conflicted between destroying the invader and sustaining fetoplacental growth. We review how maternal NK cells balance their double duty both in the local microenvironment of the uterus and systemically, during toxoplasmosis, influenza, cytomegalovirus, malaria and other infections that threat pregnancy. We also discuss recent developments in the understanding of NK-cell responses to SARS-Cov-2 infection and the possible dangers of COVID-19 during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniya V Shmeleva
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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32
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Hutton J, Rowan PJ. Vertical Transmission and Discordance of Cytomegalovirus in Twin Pregnancies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:676988. [PMID: 34350131 PMCID: PMC8326750 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.676988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objectives are to estimate the vertical transmission rate in twins relative to singleton pregnancies, to evaluate whether discordance within twin pairs is rare, and to characterize concordance within monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs in relation to hereditability. Methods We first sought to estimate the vertical transmission rate of congenital CMV infection in twins by gathering cohort-based studies of congenital CMV in which vertical transmission in both singleton and twin pregnancies was reported. This also allowed us to compare singleton and twin infection rates. From the above studies and other large cohorts of congenitally infected infants, the percentage of discordantly infected twin pairs determined whether this is a rare phenomenon. Theorizing discordance is not rare, we then analyzed data from cases with twin outcomes for congenital CMV infection, according to whether the twins were monozygotic or dizygotic, and calculated their corresponding concordance rates to estimate the broad-sense heritability. Lastly, we described other factors that might affect vertical transmission. Results From five articles following at-risk pregnancies, the rate of vertical transmission in twin pregnancies is 58.7% (95% CI 43.3-72.3%) whereas in singleton pregnancies it is 31.4% (95% CI: 29.0-34.0%) p = 0.0002. Of ten studies of larger cohorts of infants with congenital CMV infection, 21 of 42 twin pairs with at least one twin infected were discordant for congenital CMV (50.0%, 95% CI: 34.4–65.6%) indicating discordance of congenital CMV infection in twin pairs is not rare. Of 28 studies covering 37 twin pairs where at least one twin had congenital CMV, and zygosity was known, eleven of thirteen monozygotic twin pairs (84.6%; 95% CI: 53.7-97.3%) were concordant for CMV infection, and nine of twenty-four dizygotic twin pairs (37.5%; 95% CI: 19.6-59.2%) were concordant for infection giving an estimated hereditability of 94.2%. Within these 37 twin pairs, factors such as primary or recurrent maternal infection, prematurity, growth discordance, and sex are described; however, in many of these cases these factors are unknown. Conclusion The rate of vertical transmission of congenital CMV is higher for twins than singletons. Discordance of congenital CMV in twins is not rare and suggests a possible genetic susceptibility to congenital CMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Hutton
- Mednax, Sunshine, FL, United States.,Autism Research Texas, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Paul J Rowan
- Division of Management, Policy, and Community Health, The University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
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33
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Long M, Register-Brown K. Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Rev 2021; 42:360-374. [PMID: 34210755 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2020-000547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Register-Brown
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
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34
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Tiwari A, Rahi S, Mehan S. Elucidation of Abnormal Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling and Associations with Syndromic and Non-syndromic Autism. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:1071-1086. [PMID: 33081671 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666201020155010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a highly inherited and extremely complex disorder in which results from various cases indicate chromosome anomalies, unusual single-gene mutations, and multiplicative effects of particular gene variants, characterized primarily by impaired speech and social interaction and restricted behavior. The precise etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently unclear. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling mechanism affects neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity during the development of the central nervous mechanism. In this regard, the pathway of ERK has recently gained significant interest in the pathogenesis of ASD. The mutation occurs in a few ERK components. Besides, the ERK pathway dysfunction lies in the upstream of modified translation and contributes to synapse pathology in syndromic types of autism. In this review, we highlight the ERK pathway as a target for neurodevelopmental disorder autism. In addition, we summarize the regulation of the ERK pathway with ERK inhibitors in neurological disorders. In conclusion, a better understanding of the ERK signaling pathway provides a range of therapeutic options for autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Tiwari
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Saloni Rahi
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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35
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Teste M, Broutin A, Marty M, Valéra MC, Soares Cunha F, Noirrit-Esclassan E. Toothbrushing in children with autism spectrum disorders: qualitative analysis of parental difficulties and solutions in France. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2021; 22:1049-1056. [PMID: 34081310 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-021-00640-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The oral care of a child with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a challenge, not only for dentists, but also for parents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the difficulties encountered by parents in maintaining oral hygiene in autistic children and the solutions they found to facilitate this daily act. METHODS A questionnaire with closed and open questions about characteristics of the child and oral health at home, conducted via Google Form, was sent to French families through 301 associations of parents with autistic children. For the quantitative analysis, logistic regression was used. The open answers were analysed by theme. RESULTS This study included 756 offspring aged 14.4 (± 8.1) years. Girls were 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1-2.8) times more likely to have toothbrushing difficulty than boys. Nonverbal patients (OR:3.2; 95% CI: 2.2-4.9), autistic patients (OR:2.8; 95% CI: 1.4-5.2), patients using pictograms (OR:1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.4), and younger children (OR:0.9; 95% CI: 0.9-0.9) were significantly more likely to encounter difficulties in tolerating toothbrushing. The qualitative analysis showed that parents used three main ways to facilitate toothbrushing: planning, modelling and making it enjoyable. Seventy-nine percent of parents did not feel sufficiently informed about the different oral hygiene prevention tools and techniques for their ASD children and would like to be educated in the daily management of oral hygiene. CONCLUSION The role of parents remains essential and professionals should work in collaboration with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Teste
- Pediatric Dentistry Department, Dental University, Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - A Broutin
- Pediatric Dentistry Department, Dental University, Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - M Marty
- Pediatric Dentistry Department, Dental University, Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - M C Valéra
- Children's Hospital Toulouse, Dental University, Université de Toulouse III, I2MC, Inserm U1048, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - F Soares Cunha
- School of Physical Education, The Lifestyles and Health Research Group (GPES), University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Division of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Noirrit-Esclassan
- Children's Hospital Toulouse, Dental University, Université de Toulouse III, I2MC, Inserm U1048, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
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36
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Guo S, Zhou KL, Dong S, Xue XN, Wei PD, Yang JY, Fu GB, Liu ZB, Cui X. Efficacy and safety of massage therapy for autism spectrum disorders: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25874. [PMID: 34106640 PMCID: PMC8133180 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing incidence. At present, the global incidence of the disease is on the rise, and the cause is unknown. There is no specific treatment for this disease at present, mainly education and training. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment has a certain effect on the improvement of the symptoms of the disease. The treatment methods are mainly oral Chinese medicine and acupuncture, but children are often not easy to cooperate. As a safe and effective green therapy, massage is easy to be accepted by children. METHODS We will search the following electronic databases for randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy in treating autism spectrum disorders: Wanfang and PubMed Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Excerpta Medica database. Each database will be searched from inception to March 2021. The entire process will include study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and meta-analyses. RESULTS This proposed study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for patients with autism spectrum disorders. The outcomes will include changes in autism spectrum disorder relief and adverse effect. CONCLUSION This proposed systematic review will evaluate the existing evidence on the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for patients with autism spectrum disorders. DISSEMINATION AND ETHICS The results of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication. Because all of the data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis have been published, this review does not require ethical approval. Furthermore, all data will be analyzed anonymously during the review process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Guo
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | | | - Shuo Dong
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Xiao-Na Xue
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Pei-Dong Wei
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jing-Yi Yang
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Guo-Bing Fu
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhen-Bo Liu
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Xia Cui
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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37
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Xia D, Li L, Yang B, Zhou Q. Altered Relationship Between Parvalbumin and Perineuronal Nets in an Autism Model. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:597812. [PMID: 33912009 PMCID: PMC8072465 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.597812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered function or presence of inhibitory neurons is documented in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but the mechanism underlying this alternation is poorly understood. One major subtype of inhibitory neurons altered is the parvalbumin (PV)-containing neurons with reduced density and intensity in ASD patients and model mice. A subpopulation of PV+ neurons expresses perineuronal nets (PNN). To better understand whether the relationship between PV and PNN is altered in ASD, we measured quantitatively the intensities of PV and PNN in single PV+ neurons in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PrL-PFC) of a valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD at different ages. We found a decreased PV intensity but increased PNN intensity in VPA mice. The relationship between PV and PNN intensities is altered in VPA mice, likely due to an "abnormal" subpopulation of neurons with an altered PV-PNN relationship. Furthermore, reducing PNN level using in vivo injection of chondroitinase ABC corrects the PV expression in adult VPA mice. We suggest that the interaction between PV and PNN is disrupted in PV+ neurons in VPA mice which may contribute to the pathology in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Genome, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, China.,Center for Child Care and Mental Health, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Biostatistics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binrang Yang
- Center for Child Care and Mental Health, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Genome, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal thyroid dysfunction is suspected of causing adverse neurodevelopmental effects, but current evidence is inconclusive. Epidemiologic investigations generally suggest an association between maternal thyroid dysfunction and neurodevelopment impairments in progeny, but clinical trials of thyroid treatment during pregnancy reported null effects. To better understand these discrepant findings, we evaluated the association between maternal thyroid conditions and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including examining the role of gestational thyroid-related hormone concentrations and thyroid medications use. METHODS Analyses considered 437,222 singleton live births occurring in a large Israeli health fund in 1999-2013, followed through 2016. Thyroid conditions and ASD cases were identified through International Classification of Diseases-9 codes with subsequent validation through review of medical records. Laboratory gestational thyroid hormone measurements were also considered. RESULTS Children of mothers who ever experienced hypothyroidism had a higher risk of ASD compared with children of mothers without hypothyroidism (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12, 1.42). The association with hyperthyroidism was less consistent, but elevated in main analyses (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.94). These associations were not explained by maternal gestational thyroid hormones levels nor mitigated by gestational use of thyroid medications. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that maternal thyroid conditions are associated with increased ASD risk in progeny, but suggestively not due to direct effects of thyroid hormones. Instead, factors that influence maternal thyroid function could have etiologic roles in ASD through pathways independent of maternal gestational thyroid hormones and thus be unaffected by medication treatment. Factors known to disrupt thyroid function should be examined for possible involvement in ASD etiology.
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Ornoy A, Becker M, Weinstein-Fudim L, Ergaz Z. Diabetes during Pregnancy: A Maternal Disease Complicating the Course of Pregnancy with Long-Term Deleterious Effects on the Offspring. A Clinical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2965. [PMID: 33803995 PMCID: PMC7999044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the huge progress in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, we are still in the situation that both pregestational (PGDM) and gestational diabetes (GDM) impose an additional risk to the embryo, fetus, and course of pregnancy. PGDM may increase the rate of congenital malformations, especially cardiac, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and limbs. PGDM may interfere with fetal growth, often causing macrosomia, but in the presence of severe maternal complications, especially nephropathy, it may inhibit fetal growth. PGDM may also induce a variety of perinatal complications such as stillbirth and perinatal death, cardiomyopathy, respiratory morbidity, and perinatal asphyxia. GDM that generally develops in the second half of pregnancy induces similar but generally less severe complications. Their severity is higher with earlier onset of GDM and inversely correlated with the degree of glycemic control. Early initiation of GDM might even cause some increase in the rate of congenital malformations. Both PGDM and GDM may cause various motor and behavioral neurodevelopmental problems, including an increased incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most complications are reduced in incidence and severity with the improvement in diabetic control. Mechanisms of diabetic-induced damage in pregnancy are related to maternal and fetal hyperglycemia, enhanced oxidative stress, epigenetic changes, and other, less defined, pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher Ornoy
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (L.W.-F.); (Z.E.)
| | - Maria Becker
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Liza Weinstein-Fudim
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (L.W.-F.); (Z.E.)
| | - Zivanit Ergaz
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (L.W.-F.); (Z.E.)
- Medical Center, Hadassah Hebrew University, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
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Shuid AN, Jayusman PA, Shuid N, Ismail J, Kamal Nor N, Mohamed IN. Association between Viral Infections and Risk of Autistic Disorder: An Overview. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2817. [PMID: 33802042 PMCID: PMC7999368 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition of the central nervous system (CNS) that presents with severe communication problems, impairment of social interactions, and stereotypic behaviours. Emerging studies indicate possible associations between viral infections and neurodegenerative and neurobehavioural conditions including autism. Viral infection during critical periods of early in utero neurodevelopment may lead to increased risk of autism in the offspring. This review is aimed at highlighting the association between viral infections, including viruses similar to COVID-19, and the aetiology of autism. A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Ovid/Medline, and Google Scholar database. Relevant search terms included "rubella and autism", "cytomegalovirus and autism", "influenza virus and autism", "Zika virus and autism", "COVID-19 and autism". Based on the search terms, a total of 141 articles were obtained and studies on infants or children with congenital or perinatal viral infection and autistic behaviour were evaluated. The possible mechanisms by which viral infections could lead to autism include direct teratogenic effects and indirect effects of inflammation or maternal immune activation on the developing brain. Brain imaging studies have shown that the ensuing immune response from these viral infections could lead to disruption of the development of brain regions and structures. Hence, long-term follow up is necessary for infants whose mothers report an inflammatory event due to viral infection at any time during pregnancy to monitor for signs of autism. Research into the role of viral infection in the development of ASD may be one avenue of improving ASD outcomes in the future. Early screening and diagnosis to detect, and maybe even prevent ASD are essential to reduce the burden of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Naqib Shuid
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas 13200, Malaysia;
| | - Putri Ayu Jayusman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Nazrun Shuid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sg Buloh 47000, Malaysia
| | - Juriza Ismail
- Autism Research Group, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.I.); (N.K.N.)
| | - Norazlin Kamal Nor
- Autism Research Group, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.I.); (N.K.N.)
| | - Isa Naina Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
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41
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How matrix metalloproteinase ( MMP)- 9 (rs3918242) polymorphism affects MMP-9 serum concentration and associates with autism spectrum disorders: A case-control study in Iranian population. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 34:882-888. [PMID: 33517948 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420002102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this project was to evaluate the relationship of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) genetic variation and its serum concentration with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One hundred ASD and 120 controls were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and MMP-9 polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism and serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The frequencies of CC, CT, and TT genotypes were 72%, 26%, and 2% in controls and 31%, 57%, and 12% in ASD, respectively. The frequencies of C and T alleles in ASD were 59.5% and 40.5%, and controls were 86% and 14%, respectively. There is a significant increase in serum MMP-9 levels in ASD as compared to controls. We have also shown that TT genotype is significantly associated with increase serum MMP-9 levels in patients (TT, CT, and CC serum levels were 91.77 ± 10.53, 70.66 ± 7.21, and 38.66 ± 5.52 and in controls were 55.55 ± 11.39, 42.66 ± 7.85, and 30.55 ± 6.34 ng/ml, respectively). It is concluded that there is a significant association between rs3918242 MMP-9 polymorphism and its serum concentration with autism. We also suggest that TT genotype is associated with increased MMP9 expression and may be a risk factor for ASD.
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42
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Sauer UG, Asiimwe A, Botham PA, Charlton A, Hallmark N, Jacobi S, Marty S, Melching-Kollmuss S, Palha JA, Strauss V, van Ravenzwaay B, Swaen G. Toward a science-based testing strategy to identify maternal thyroid hormone imbalance and neurodevelopmental effects in the progeny - part I: which parameters from human studies are most relevant for toxicological assessments? Crit Rev Toxicol 2020; 50:740-763. [PMID: 33305658 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2020.1839380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The 2018 European Food Safety Authority/European Chemicals Agency Guidance on the Identification of Endocrine Disruptors lacks clarity on how the presence or absence of substance-induced maternal thyroid hormone imbalance, or the potential for subsequent deleterious consequences in child neurodevelopment, should be established by toxicological assessments. To address these uncertainties, this narrative review evaluates human evidence on how altered maternal thyroid function may be associated with child neurodevelopmental outcomes; and seeks to identify parameters in human studies that appear most relevant for toxicological assessments. Serum levels of free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are most frequently measured when assessing thyroid function in pregnant women, whereas a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental parameters is used to evaluate child neurodevelopment. The human data confirms an association between altered maternal serum fT4 and/or TSH and increased risk for child neurodevelopmental impairment. Quantitative boundaries of effects indicative of increased risks need to be established. Moreover, it is unknown if altered serum levels of total T4, free or total triiodothyronine, or parameters unrelated to serum thyroid hormones might be more relevant indicators of such effects. None of the human studies established a link between substance-mediated liver enzyme induction and increased serum thyroid hormone clearance, let alone further to child neurodevelopmental impairment. This review identifies research needs to contribute to the development of toxicity testing strategies, to reliably predict whether substances have the potential to impair child neurodevelopment via maternal thyroid hormone imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula G Sauer
- Scientific Consultancy - Animal Welfare, Neubiberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sue Marty
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA
| | | | - Joana A Palha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimaraes, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center, Braga, Portugal
| | | | | | - Gerard Swaen
- Department of Complex Genetics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Critical Role of the Maternal Immune System in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120557. [PMID: 33271759 PMCID: PMC7760377 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by impairments in communication, social interaction, and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviours. Over the past decade, most of the research in ASD has focused on the contribution of genetics, with the identification of a variety of different genes and mutations. However, the vast heterogeneity in clinical presentations associated with this disorder suggests that environmental factors may be involved, acting as a “second hit” in already genetically susceptible individuals. To this regard, emerging evidence points towards a role for maternal immune system dysfunctions. This literature review considered evidence from epidemiological studies and aimed to discuss the pathological relevance of the maternal immune system in ASD by looking at the proposed mechanisms by which it alters the prenatal environment. In particular, this review focuses on the effects of maternal immune activation (MIA) by looking at foetal brain-reactive antibodies, cytokines and the microbiome. Despite the arguments presented here that strongly implicate MIA in the pathophysiology of ASD, further research is needed to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which they alter brain structure and behaviour. Overall, this review has not only shown the importance of the maternal immune system as a risk factor for ASD, but more importantly, has highlighted new promising pathways to target for the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of such a life-changing disorder.
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44
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Aviel-Shekler K, Hamshawi Y, Sirhan W, Getselter D, Srikanth KD, Malka A, Piran R, Elliott E. Gestational diabetes induces behavioral and brain gene transcription dysregulation in adult offspring. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:412. [PMID: 33239620 PMCID: PMC7688640 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) includes a strong genetic component and a complicated environmental component. Recent evidence indicates that maternal diabetes, including gestational diabetes, is associated with an increased prevalence of ASD. While previous studies have looked into possible roles for maternal diabetes in neurodevelopment, there are few studies into how gestational diabetes, with no previous diabetic or metabolic phenotype, may affect neurodevelopment. In this study, we have specifically induced gestational diabetes in mice, followed by behavioral and molecular phenotyping of the mice offspring. Pregnant mice were injected with STZ a day after initiation of pregnancy. Glucose levels increased to diabetic levels between E7 and E14 in pregnancy in a subset of the pregnant animals. Male offspring of Gestational Diabetic mothers displayed increased repetitive behaviors with no dysregulation in the three-chambered social interaction test. RNA-seq analysis revealed a dysregulation in genes related to forebrain development in the frontal cortex and a dysregulation of a network of neurodevelopment and immune related genes in the striatum. Together, these results give evidence that gestational diabetes can induce changes in adulthood behavior and gene transcription in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Aviel-Shekler
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yara Hamshawi
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Worood Sirhan
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Dmitriy Getselter
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Kolluru D. Srikanth
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Assaf Malka
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Ron Piran
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
| | - Evan Elliott
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
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45
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Tian LH, Wiggins LD, Schieve LA, Yeargin-Allsopp M, Dietz P, Aylsworth AS, Elias ER, Hoover-Fong JE, Meeks NJL, Souders MC, Tsai ACH, Zackai EH, Alexander AA, Dowling NF, Shapira SK. Mapping the Relationship between Dysmorphology and Cognitive, Behavioral, and Developmental Outcomes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:1227-1238. [PMID: 32567802 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies investigating the association between dysmorphology and cognitive, behavioral, and developmental outcomes among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been limited by the binary classification of dysmorphology and lack of comparison groups. We assessed the association using a continuous measure of dysmorphology severity (DS) in preschool children aged 2-5 years (322 with ASD and intellectual disability [ID], 188 with ASD without ID, and 371 without ASD from the general population [POP]). In bivariate analyses, an inverse association between DS and expressive language, receptive language, fine motor, and visual reception skills was observed in children with ASD and ID. An inverse association of DS with fine motor and visual reception skills, but not expressive language and receptive language, was found in children with ASD without ID. No associations were observed in POP children. These results persisted after exclusion of children with known genetic syndromes or major morphologic anomalies. Quantile regression models showed that the inverse relationships remained significant after adjustment for sex, race/ethnicity, maternal education, family income, study site, and preterm birth. DS was not associated with autistic traits or autism symptom severity, behaviors, or regression among children with ASD with or without ID. Thus, DS was associated with a global impairment of cognitive functioning in children with ASD and ID, but only with fine motor and visual reception deficits in children with ASD without ID. A better understanding is needed for mechanisms that explain the association between DS and cognitive impairment in children with different disorders. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1227-1238. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: We examined whether having more dysmorphic features (DFs) was related to developmental problems among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with or without intellectual disability (ID), and children without ASD from the general population (POP). Children with ASD and ID had more language, movement, and learning issues as the number of DFs increased. Children with ASD without ID had more movement and learning issues as the number of DFs increased. These relationships were not observed in the POP group. Implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin H Tian
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lisa D Wiggins
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Laura A Schieve
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Patricia Dietz
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Arthur S Aylsworth
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ellen R Elias
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie E Hoover-Fong
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Naomi J L Meeks
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Margaret C Souders
- Clinical Genetics Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anne C-H Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elaine H Zackai
- Clinical Genetics Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aimee A Alexander
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicole F Dowling
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stuart K Shapira
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Prenatal S-Adenosine Methionine (SAMe) Induces Changes in Gene Expression in the Brain of Newborn Mice That Are Prevented by Co-Administration of Valproic Acid (VPA). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082834. [PMID: 32325788 PMCID: PMC7215397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies, we produced changes in gene expression in the brain of mice by early postnatal administration of valproic acid (VPA), with distinct differences between genders. The addition of S-adenosine methionine (SAMe) normalized the expression of most genes in both genders, while SAMe alone induced no changes. We treated pregnant dams with a single injection of VPA on day 12.5 of gestation, or with SAMe during gestational days 12–14, or by a combination of VPA and SAMe. In the frontal half of the brain, we studied the expression of 770 genes of the pathways involved in neurophysiology and neuropathology using the NanoString nCounter method. SAMe, but not VPA, induced statistically significant changes in the expression of many genes, with differences between genders. The expression of 112 genes was changed in both sexes, and another 170 genes were changed only in females and 31 only in males. About 30% of the genes were changed by more than 50%. One of the most important pathways changed by SAMe in both sexes was the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) pathway. Pretreatment with VPA prevented almost all the changes in gene expression induced by SAMe. We conclude that large doses of SAMe, if administered prenatally, may induce significant epigenetic changes in the offspring. Hence, SAMe and possibly other methyl donors may be epigenetic teratogens.
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47
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Freitas BC, Beltrão-Braga PCB, Marchetto MC. Modeling Inflammation on Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using Pluripotent Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 25:207-218. [PMID: 32578148 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45493-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) are characterized by an impairment of the nervous system during its development, with a wide variety of phenotypes based on genetic or environmental cues. There are currently several disorders grouped under ND including intellectual disabilities (ID), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although NDs can have multiple culprits with varied diagnostics, several NDs present an inflammatory component. Taking advantage of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), several disorders were modeled in a dish complementing in vivo data from rodent models or clinical data. Monogenic syndromes displaying ND are more feasible to be modeled using iPSCs also due to the ability to recruit patients and clinical data available. Some of these genetic disorders are Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), Rett Syndrome (RTT), and Down Syndrome (DS). Environmental NDs can be caused by maternal immune activation (MIA), such as the infection with Zika virus during pregnancy known to cause neural damage to the fetus. Our goal in this chapter is to review the advances of using stem cell research in NDs, focusing on the role of neuroinflammation on ASD and environmental NDs studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz C Freitas
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia C B Beltrão-Braga
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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"Females Are Not Just 'Protected' Males": Sex-Specific Vulnerabilities in Placenta and Brain after Prenatal Immune Disruption. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0358-19.2019. [PMID: 31611335 PMCID: PMC6838689 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0358-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Current perceptions of genetic and environmental vulnerabilities in the developing fetus are biased toward male outcomes. An argument is made that males are more vulnerable to gestational complications and neurodevelopmental disorders, the implication being that an understanding of disrupted development in males is sufficient to understand causal mechanisms that are assumed to be similar but attenuated in females. Here we examine this assumption in the context of immune-driven alterations in fetal brain development and related outcomes in female and male mice. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were treated with low-dose lipopolysaccharide at embryonic day 12.5. Placental pathology, acute fetal brain inflammation and hypoxia, long-term changes in adult cortex cytoarchitecture, altered densities and ratio of excitatory (Satb2+) to inhibitory (parvalbumin+) neuronal subtypes, postnatal growth, and behavior outcomes were compared between male and female offspring. We find that while males experience more pronounced placental pathology, fetal brain hypoxia, depleted PV and Satb2+ densities, and social and learning-related behavioral abnormalities, females exhibit unique acute inflammatory signaling in fetal brain, postnatal growth delay, opposite alterations in cortical PV densities, changes in juvenile behavior, delayed postnatal body growth, and elevated anxiety-related behavior as adults. While males are more severely impacted by prenatal immune disruption by several measures, females exposed to the same insult exhibit a unique set of vulnerabilities and developmental consequences that is not present in males. Our results clearly outline disparate sex-specific features of prenatal vulnerability to inflammatory insults and warn against the casual extrapolation of male disease mechanisms to females.
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49
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Maternal diabetes induces autism-like behavior by hyperglycemia-mediated persistent oxidative stress and suppression of superoxide dismutase 2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:23743-23752. [PMID: 31685635 PMCID: PMC6876200 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1912625116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia induces persistent oxidative stress and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) suppression in neurons. SOD2 suppression is caused by oxidative stress-mediated histone methylation and subsequent dissociation of Egr1 on the SOD2 promoter. Maternal diabetes induces autism-like behavior in offspring with SOD2 suppression in the amygdala in rats, while SOD2 overexpression in the amygdala ameliorates autism-like behavior. Postnatal treatment of the blood–brain barrier-permeable antioxidant resveratrol partly restores this effect. This study describes a potential mechanism for maternal diabetes-induced autism-like behavior in offspring. Epidemiological studies show that maternal diabetes is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), although the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aims to investigate the potential effect of maternal diabetes on autism-like behavior in offspring. The results of in vitro study showed that transient hyperglycemia induces persistent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with suppressed superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression. Additionally, we found that SOD2 suppression is due to oxidative stress-mediated histone methylation and the subsequent dissociation of early growth response 1 (Egr1) on the SOD2 promoter. Furthermore, in vivo rat experiments showed that maternal diabetes induces SOD2 suppression in the amygdala, resulting in autism-like behavior in offspring. SOD2 overexpression restores, while SOD2 knockdown mimics, this effect, indicating that oxidative stress and SOD2 expression play important roles in maternal diabetes-induced autism-like behavior in offspring, while prenatal and postnatal treatment using antioxidants permeable to the blood–brain barrier partly ameliorated this effect. We conclude that maternal diabetes induces autism-like behavior through hyperglycemia-mediated persistent oxidative stress and SOD2 suppression. Here we report a potential mechanism for maternal diabetes-induced ASD.
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50
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Maternal valproic acid exposure leads to neurogenesis defects and autism-like behaviors in non-human primates. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:267. [PMID: 31636273 PMCID: PMC6803711 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the substantial progress made in identifying genetic defects in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the etiology for majority of ASD individuals remains elusive. Maternal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug during pregnancy in human, has long been considered a risk factor to contribute to ASD susceptibility in offspring from epidemiological studies in humans. The similar exposures in murine models have provided tentative evidence to support the finding from human epidemiology. However, the apparent difference between rodent and human poses a significant challenge to extrapolate the findings from rodent models to humans. Here we report for the first time the neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes of maternal VPA exposure in non-human primates. Monkey offspring from the early maternal VPA exposure have significantly reduced NeuN-positive mature neurons in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cerebellum and the Ki67-positive proliferating neuronal precursors in the cerebellar external granular layer, but increased GFAP-positive astrocytes in PFC. Transcriptome analyses revealed that maternal VPA exposure disrupted the expression of genes associated with neurodevelopment in embryonic brain in offspring. VPA-exposed juvenile offspring have variable presentations of impaired social interaction, pronounced stereotypies, and more attention on nonsocial stimuli by eye tracking analysis. Our findings in non-human primates provide the best evidence so far to support causal link between maternal VPA exposure and neurodevelopmental defects and ASD susceptibility in humans.
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