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Higa GSV, Viana FJC, Francis-Oliveira J, Cruvinel E, Franchin TS, Marcourakis T, Ulrich H, De Pasquale R. Serotonergic neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110036. [PMID: 38876308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity constitutes a fundamental process in the reorganization of neural networks that underlie memory, cognition, emotional responses, and behavioral planning. At the core of this phenomenon lie Hebbian mechanisms, wherein frequent synaptic stimulation induces long-term potentiation (LTP), while less activation leads to long-term depression (LTD). The synaptic reorganization of neuronal networks is regulated by serotonin (5-HT), a neuromodulator capable of modify synaptic plasticity to appropriately respond to mental and behavioral states, such as alertness, attention, concentration, motivation, and mood. Lately, understanding the serotonergic Neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity has become imperative for unraveling its impact on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. Through a comparative analysis across three main forebrain structures-the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, this review discusses the actions of 5-HT on synaptic plasticity, offering insights into its role as a neuromodulator involved in emotional and cognitive functions. By distinguishing between plastic and metaplastic effects, we provide a comprehensive overview about the mechanisms of 5-HT neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity and associated functions across different brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Shigueto Vilar Higa
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe José Costa Viana
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - José Francis-Oliveira
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Emily Cruvinel
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thainá Soares Franchin
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Tania Marcourakis
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto De Pasquale
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
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Demirci SC, Barun S, Özaslan A, Gülbahar Ö, Bulut TSD, Çamurdan AD, İşeri E. Investigating the Relationship of Serum CD163, YKL40 and VILIP-1 Levels with Autism Severity and Language-cognitive Development in Preschool Children with Autism. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 22:473-483. [PMID: 39069687 PMCID: PMC11289611 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.23.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to compare serum levels of CD163, YKL-40, and VILIP-1 between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and healthy controls, while also investigating their association with the severity of ASD and language development. Methods The study included 40 ASD-diagnosed patients (aged 18-72 months) and 40 age-matched healthy controls. Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Preschool Language Scale-4, and Ankara Development Screening Inventory were administered to children in the ASD group. Serum CD163, YKL-40 and VILIP-1 levels were measured with an enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results In the ASD group compared to the control group, serum VILIP-1 levels were significantly higher (p = 0.046). No significant differences were observed in mean serum CD163 and YKL-40 levels between patients and controls (p = 0.613, p = 0.769). Interestingly, a positive correlation was observed between CD163 and YKL-40 levels and ASD severity (p < 0.001 for both). Additionally, CD163 and YKL-40 levels showed significant predictive value for ASD severity. While no significant associations were found between CD163 and YKL-40 levels and language development, a negative correlation was observed between VILIP-1 levels and language development (p < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings highlight that the levels of CD163 and YKL-40 significantly predicted ASD severity, indicating a potential role of neuroinflammation in the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samet Can Demirci
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ardahan State Hospital, Ardahan, Turkey
| | - Süreyya Barun
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Özaslan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
- Autism and Developmental Disorders Application and Research Center, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Gülbahar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Aysu Duyan Çamurdan
- Department of Child Health and Diseases, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elvan İşeri
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
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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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Coelho DRA, Renet C, López-Rodríguez S, Cassano P, Vieira WF. Transcranial photobiomodulation for neurodevelopmental disorders: a narrative review. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:1609-1623. [PMID: 39009808 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00613-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Down syndrome (DS) significantly impact social, communicative, and behavioral functioning. Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared light is a promising non-invasive neurostimulation technique for neuropsychiatric disorders, including NDDs. This narrative review aimed to examine the preclinical and clinical evidence of photobiomodulation (PBM) in treating NDDs. METHODS A comprehensive search across six databases was conducted, using a combination of MeSH terms and title/abstract keywords: "photobiomodulation", "PBM", "neurodevelopmental disorders", "NDD", and others. Studies applying PBM to diagnosed NDD cases or animal models replicating NDDs were included. Protocols, reviews, studies published in languages other than English, and studies not evaluating clinical or cognitive outcomes were excluded. RESULTS Nine studies were identified, including one preclinical and eight clinical studies (five on ASD, two on ADHD, and one on DS). The reviewed studies encompassed various t-PBM parameters (wavelengths: 635-905 nm) and targeted primarily frontal cortex areas. t-PBM showed efficacy in improving disruptive behavior, social communication, cognitive rigidity, sleep quality, and attention in ASD; in enhancing attention in ADHD; and in improving motor skills and verbal fluency in DS. Minimal adverse effects were reported. Proposed mechanisms involve enhanced mitochondrial function, modulated oxidative stress, and reduced neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS t-PBM emerges as a promising intervention for NDDs, with potential therapeutic effects across ASD, ADHD, and DS. These findings underscore the need for further research, including larger-scale, randomized sham-controlled clinical trials with comprehensive biomarker analyses, to optimize treatment parameters and understand the underlying mechanisms associated with the effects of t-PBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Richer Araujo Coelho
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Christian Renet
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergi López-Rodríguez
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Carlos III Health Institute, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Cassano
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Willians Fernando Vieira
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Abedini SS, Akhavantabasi S, Liang Y, Heng JIT, Alizadehsani R, Dehzangi I, Bauer DC, Alinejad-Rokny H. A critical review of the impact of candidate copy number variants on autism spectrum disorder. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2024; 794:108509. [PMID: 38977176 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2024.108509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Recent advancements in genomic analysis have shed light on numerous genes associated with ASD, highlighting the significant role of both common and rare genetic mutations, as well as copy number variations (CNVs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and unique de novo variants. These genetic variations disrupt neurodevelopmental pathways, contributing to the disorder's complexity. Notably, CNVs are present in 10 %-20 % of individuals with autism, with 3 %-7 % detectable through cytogenetic methods. While the role of submicroscopic CNVs in ASD has been recently studied, their association with genomic loci and genes has not been thoroughly explored. In this review, we focus on 47 CNV regions linked to ASD, encompassing 1632 genes, including protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), of which 659 show significant brain expression. Using a list of ASD-associated genes from SFARI, we detect 17 regions harboring at least one known ASD-related protein-coding gene. Of the remaining 30 regions, we identify 24 regions containing at least one protein-coding gene with brain-enriched expression and a nervous system phenotype in mouse mutants, and one lncRNA with both brain-enriched expression and upregulation in iPSC to neuron differentiation. This review not only expands our understanding of the genetic diversity associated with ASD but also underscores the potential of lncRNAs in contributing to its etiology. Additionally, the discovered CNVs will be a valuable resource for future diagnostic, therapeutic, and research endeavors aimed at prioritizing genetic variations in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Sedigheh Abedini
- UNSW BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Shiva Akhavantabasi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Yeni Yuzyil University, Istanbul, Turkey; Ghiaseddin Jamshid Kashani University, Andisheh University Town, Danesh Blvd, 3441356611, Abyek, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Yuheng Liang
- UNSW BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Julian Ik-Tsen Heng
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley 6845, Australia
| | - Roohallah Alizadehsani
- Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Iman Dehzangi
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA; Department of Computer Science, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Denis C Bauer
- Transformational Bioinformatics, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Sydney, Australia; Applied BioSciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia
| | - Hamid Alinejad-Rokny
- UNSW BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Tyree Institute of Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Shrader SH, Mellen N, Cai J, Barnes GN, Song ZH. Cannabidiol is a behavioral modulator in BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1359810. [PMID: 38784096 PMCID: PMC11112039 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1359810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has drastically risen over the last two decades and is currently estimated to affect 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the center for disease control (CDC). This heterogenous neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors plus restricted interest. Autistic individuals also commonly present with a myriad of comorbidities, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and seizures. To date, a pharmacological intervention for the treatment of core autistic symptoms has not been identified. Cannabidiol (CBD), the major nonpsychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, is suggested to have multiple therapeutic applications, but its effect(s) on idiopathic autism is unknown. We hypothesized that CBD will effectively attenuate the autism-like behaviors and autism-associated comorbid behaviors in BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, an established mouse model of idiopathic ASD. Methods Male BTBR mice were injected intraperitoneally with either vehicle, 20 mg/kg CBD or 50 mg/kg CBD daily for two weeks beginning at postnatal day 21 ± 3. On the final treatment day, a battery of behavioral assays were used to evaluate the effects of CBD on the BTBR mice, as compared to age-matched, vehicle-treated C57BL/6 J mice. Results High dose (50 mg/kg) CBD treatment attenuated the elevated repetitive self-grooming behavior and hyperlocomotion in BTBR mice. The social deficits exhibited by the control BTBR mice were rescued by the 20 mg/kg CBD treatment. Discussion Our data indicate that different doses for CBD are needed for treating specific ASD-like behaviors. Together, our results suggest that CBD may be an effective drug to ameliorate repetitive/restricted behaviors, social deficits, and autism-associated hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H. Shrader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Nicholas Mellen
- Departments of Neurology and Autism Center, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Gregory N. Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Autism Center, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Zhao-Hui Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
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Fradkin Y, De Taboada L, Naeser M, Saltmarche A, Snyder W, Steingold E. Transcranial photobiomodulation in children aged 2-6 years: a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial assessing safety, efficacy, and impact on autism spectrum disorder symptoms and brain electrophysiology. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1221193. [PMID: 38737349 PMCID: PMC11086174 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1221193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Small pilot studies have suggested that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) could help reduce symptoms of neurological conditions, such as depression, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objective To examine the impact of tPBM on the symptoms of ASD in children aged two to six years. Method We conducted a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial involving thirty children aged two to six years with a prior diagnosis of ASD. We delivered pulses of near-infrared light (40 Hz, 850 nm) noninvasively to selected brain areas twice a week for eight weeks, using an investigational medical device designed for this purpose (Cognilum™, JelikaLite Corp., New York, United States). We used the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS, 2nd Edition) to assess and compare the ASD symptoms of participants before and after the treatment course. We collected electroencephalogram (EEG) data during each session from those participants who tolerated wearing the EEG cap. Results The difference in the change in CARS scores between the two groups was 7.23 (95% CI 2.357 to 12.107, p = 0.011). Seventeen of the thirty participants completed at least two EEGs and time-dependent trends were detected. In addition, an interaction between Active versus Sham and Scaled Time was observed in delta power (Coefficient = 7.521, 95% CI -0.517 to 15.559, p = 0.07) and theta power (Coefficient = -8.287, 95% CI -17.199 to 0.626, p = 0.07), indicating a potential trend towards a greater reduction in delta power and an increase in theta power over time with treatment in the Active group, compared to the Sham group. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the condition (Treatment vs. Sham) in the power of theta waves (net_theta) (Coefficient = 9.547, 95% CI 0.027 to 19.067, p = 0.049). No moderate or severe side effects or adverse effects were reported or observed during the trial. Conclusion These results indicate that tPBM may be a safe and effective treatment for ASD and should be studied in more depth in larger studies.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04660552, identifier NCT04660552.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliy Fradkin
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | | | - Margaret Naeser
- Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Chalmers N, Masouti E, Beckervordersandforth R. Astrocytes in the adult dentate gyrus-balance between adult and developmental tasks. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:982-991. [PMID: 38177351 PMCID: PMC11176073 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02386-4] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes, a major glial cell type in the brain, are indispensable for the integration, maintenance and survival of neurons during development and adulthood. Both life phases make specific demands on the molecular and physiological properties of astrocytes, and most research projects traditionally focus on either developmental or adult astrocyte functions. In most brain regions, the generation of brain cells and the establishment of neural circuits ends with postnatal development. However, few neurogenic niches exist in the adult brain in which new neurons and glial cells are produced lifelong, and the integration of new cells into functional circuits represent a very special form of plasticity. Consequently, in the neurogenic niche, the astrocytes must be equipped to execute both mature and developmental tasks in order to integrate newborn neurons into the circuit and yet maintain overall homeostasis without affecting the preexisting neurons. In this review, we focus on astrocytes of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), and discuss specific features of the astrocytic compartment that may allow the execution of both tasks. Firstly, astrocytes of the adult DG are molecularly, morphologically and functionally diverse, and the distinct astrocytes subtypes are characterized by their localization to DG layers. This spatial separation may lead to a functional specification of astrocytes subtypes according to the neuronal structures they are embedded in, hence a division of labor. Secondly, the astrocytic compartment is not static, but steadily increasing in numbers due to lifelong astrogenesis. Interestingly, astrogenesis can adapt to environmental and behavioral stimuli, revealing an unexpected astrocyte dynamic that allows the niche to adopt to changing demands. The diversity and dynamic of astrocytes in the adult DG implicate a vital contribution to hippocampal plasticity and represent an interesting model to uncover mechanisms how astrocytes simultaneously fulfill developmental and adult tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Chalmers
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evangelia Masouti
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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da Rosa ALST, Bezerra OS, Rohde LA, Graeff-Martins AS. Exploring clozapine use in severe psychiatric symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:324-343. [PMID: 38576151 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241241384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience severe psychiatric symptoms, often unresponsive to conventional pharmacological therapies, highlighting the need for more effective alternatives. AIMS This study aims to map and synthesize evidence on the use of clozapine as a therapeutic option for managing severe psychiatric symptomatology co-occurring with ASD. METHODS We conducted a scoping review on multiple sources following the JBI guidelines. The search strategy was inclusive, targeting both peer-reviewed publications and gray literature presenting empirical data on the use of clozapine therapy for patients with ASD accompanied by comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Two independent evaluators performed the selection of studies, data extraction, and critical appraisal. RESULTS The review included 46 studies, encompassing 122 ASD individuals who received clozapine therapy. The sources of evidence comprise 31 case reports, 8 case series, 6 retrospective observational studies, and 1 quasi-experimental prospective study. The tables present the findings along with a narrative summary. Clozapine treatment demonstrated benefits in four groups of severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric symptoms in ASD patients: disruptive behaviors, psychotic symptoms, catatonia, and mood symptoms. Although side effects were common, tolerability was generally satisfactory. However, severe adverse events, such as seizures, moderate neutropenia, and myocarditis, underscore the need for intensive clinical monitoring. CONCLUSIONS While clozapine shows promise as a pharmacological intervention for severe psychopathologies in ASD, more rigorous clinical studies are required to elucidate its efficacy and safety in this population. The limited robustness of the evidence calls for caution, signaling an early research stage into this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luiz Schuh Teixeira da Rosa
- Graduate Program of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Olivia Sorato Bezerra
- Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luis Augusto Rohde
- Graduate Program of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Soledade Graeff-Martins
- Graduate Program of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Ramazani Z, Nakhaee S, Sharafi K, Rezaei Z, Mansouri B. Autism spectrum disorder: Cadmium and mercury concentrations in different biological samples, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of human studies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27789. [PMID: 38496888 PMCID: PMC10944282 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the differences in cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) concentrations between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and controls. In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, three thousand one hundred forty-five studies were collected from scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to October 2022 and were investigated for eligibility. As a result, 37 studies published in the period from 2003 to 2022 met our inclusion criteria and were considered in the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity assumption was evaluated using the Chi-squared-based Q-test and I-squared (I2) statistics. The pooled estimates were shown in the forest plots with Hedges' g (95% confidence interval) values. The random effects model demonstrated that there is no significant difference in the blood (Hedges' g: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.72, p > 0.05), hair (Hedges' g: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.50, p > 0.05), and urinary (Hedges' g: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.76, p > 0.05) Cd levels of the case group versus control subjects. Moreover, the pooled findings of studies showed no significant difference in the blood (Hedges' g: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.09, 3.48, p > 0.05), hair (Hedges' g: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.96, 8.80, p > 0.05), and urinary (Hedges' g: 0.49, 95% CI: 1.29 - 0.30, p > 0.05) Hg concentrations. The results demonstrated no significant differences in Hg and Cd concentrations in different biological samples of children with ASD compared to control subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zana Ramazani
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Kiomars Sharafi
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zaynab Rezaei
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Borhan Mansouri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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11
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Jeong JH, Lee H, Kim D, Park E, Woo J, Cho Y, Keum G, Lee A, Kang T, Kim J, Choo H, Lee S, Jeon B. Identification of an Antagonist Targeting G Protein and β-Arrestin Signaling Pathways of 5-HT 7R. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1026-1041. [PMID: 38387042 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00738] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In consideration of the limited number of FDA-approved drugs for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), significant efforts have been devoted to identifying novel drug candidates. Among these, 5-HT7R modulators have garnered considerable attention due to their potential in alleviating autism-like behaviors in ASD animal models. In this study, we designed and synthesized biphenyl-3-ylmethylpyrrolidines 3 and biphenyl-3-yl-dihydroimidazoles 4 as 5-HT7R modulators. Through extensive biological tests of 3 and 4 in G protein and β-arrestin signaling pathways of 5-HT7R, it was determined that 2-(2'-methoxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole 4h acted as a 5-HT7R antagonist in both signaling pathways. In in vivo study with Shank3-/- transgenic (TG) mice, the self-grooming behavior test was performed with 4h, resulting in a significant reduction in the duration of self-grooming. In addition, an immunohistochemical experiment with 4h restored reduced neurogenesis in Shank3-/- TG mice, which is confirmed by the quantification of doublecortin (DCX) positive neurons, suggesting the promising therapeutic potential of 4h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hyun Jeong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeun Lee
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyoung Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunseo Park
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwan Woo
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yakdol Cho
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyochang Keum
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ansoo Lee
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Taek Kang
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongjin Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunah Choo
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghee Lee
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungsun Jeon
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
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12
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Santos TCD, Obando JMC, Leite PEC, Pereira MR, Leitão MDF, Abujadi C, Pimenta LDFL, Martins RCC, Cavalcanti DN. Approaches of marine compounds and relevant immune mediators in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Opportunities and challenges. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116153. [PMID: 38277916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social skills, language, communication, and behavioral skills, significantly impacting the individual's quality of life. Recently, numerous works have centered on the connections between the immune and central nervous systems and the influence of neuroinflammation on autism symptomatology. Marine natural products are considered as important alternative sources of different types of compounds, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, sterols, carotenoids, terpenoids and, alkaloids. These compounds present anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities, exhibiting a potential for the treatment of many diseases. Although many studies address the marine compounds in the modulation of inflammatory mediators, there is a gap regarding their use in the regulation of the immune system in ASD. Thus, this review aims to provide a better understanding regarding cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and immune responses in ASD, as well as the potential of bioactive marine compounds in the immune regulation in ASD. We expect that this review would contribute to the development of therapeutic alternatives for controlling immune mediators and inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalisia Cunha Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais Walter Mors, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Produtos Naturais de Algas Marinha (ALGAMAR), Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Johana Marcela Concha Obando
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais de Algas Marinha (ALGAMAR), Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paulo Emílio Corrêa Leite
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Instituto LisMAPS, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rodrigues Pereira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Instituto LisMAPS, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mônica de Freitas Leitão
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-Camp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Abujadi
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência, Tecnologia e Inclusão (PGCTIn), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Carlos Campos Martins
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais Walter Mors, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diana Negrão Cavalcanti
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais de Algas Marinha (ALGAMAR), Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência, Tecnologia e Inclusão (PGCTIn), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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Li R, Tang J, Wang Y, Wang Y, Yang H, Wei H. Metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis of prefrontal cortex in the Pax2 neuron-specific deletion mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 128:110858. [PMID: 37660748 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are one of the characteristics of various neuropsychiatric disorders with complex and diverse molecular mechanisms. Repetitive self-grooming behavior is one of the manifestations of RRBs in humans and rodents. Research on the neural mechanism of repetitive self-grooming behavior is expected to reveal the underlying logic of the occurrence of RRBs. Pax2 is an important member of the paired-box transcription factor family. It is expressed in different regions of the developing central nervous system. Our previous study showed that Pax2 heterozygous gene knockout mice (Pax2+/- KO mice) exhibit significantly increased self-grooming, which suggests that the Pax2 gene is involved in the control of self-grooming behavior, but the molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we further constructed the Pax2 neuron-specific deletion mice (Nestin-Pax2 mice). Targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics techniques was used to analyze. The results showed that there is an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance of the neurotransmitter system and the Arc gene was significantly up-regulated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Nestin-Pax2 mice. This study suggests that the potential regulatory mechanism of the increased repetitive self-grooming behavior in Pax2 gene deletion mice is that the deletion of the Pax2 gene affects the expression of Arc in the PFC, leading to impaired synaptic plasticity and excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, and participating in the occurrence of repetitive self-grooming behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, the Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030012, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Control, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan 030012, China
| | - Jiaming Tang
- School of the Third Clinic, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yizhuo Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, the Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030012, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, the Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030012, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, the Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030012, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Control, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan 030012, China.
| | - Hongen Wei
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, the Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030012, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Control, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan 030012, China.
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14
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Nahas LD, Datta A, Alsamman AM, Adly MH, Al-Dewik N, Sekaran K, Sasikumar K, Verma K, Doss GPC, Zayed H. Genomic insights and advanced machine learning: characterizing autism spectrum disorder biomarkers and genetic interactions. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:29-42. [PMID: 38153584 PMCID: PMC10799794 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01322-3] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by altered brain connectivity and function. In this study, we employed advanced bioinformatics and explainable AI to analyze gene expression associated with ASD, using data from five GEO datasets. Among 351 neurotypical controls and 358 individuals with autism, we identified 3,339 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) with an adjusted p-value (≤ 0.05). A subsequent meta-analysis pinpointed 342 DEGs (adjusted p-value ≤ 0.001), including 19 upregulated and 10 down-regulated genes across all datasets. Shared genes, pathogenic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), chromosomal positions, and their impact on biological pathways were examined. We identified potential biomarkers (HOXB3, NR2F2, MAPK8IP3, PIGT, SEMA4D, and SSH1) through text mining, meriting further investigation. Additionally, we shed light on the roles of RPS4Y1 and KDM5D genes in neurogenesis and neurodevelopment. Our analysis detected 1,286 SNPs linked to ASD-related conditions, of which 14 high-risk SNPs were located on chromosomes 10 and X. We highlighted potential missense SNPs associated with FGFR inhibitors, suggesting that it may serve as a promising biomarker for responsiveness to targeted therapies. Our explainable AI model identified the MID2 gene as a potential ASD biomarker. This research unveils vital genes and potential biomarkers, providing a foundation for novel gene discovery in complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ankur Datta
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Alsamman M Alsamman
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt
| | - Monica H Adly
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt
| | - Nader Al-Dewik
- Department of Research, Women's Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karthik Sekaran
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
- Center for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - K Sasikumar
- Department of Sensor and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kanika Verma
- Department of parasitology and host biology ICMR-NIMR, Dwarka, Delhi, India
| | - George Priya C Doss
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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15
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Yurdakul E, Barlas Y, Ulgen KO. Circadian clock crosstalks with autism. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3273. [PMID: 37807632 PMCID: PMC10726833 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3273] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains incompletely understood, but researchers have identified over a thousand genes involved in complex interactions within the brain, nervous, and immune systems, particularly during the mechanism of brain development. Various contributory environmental effects including circadian rhythm have also been studied in ASD. Thus, capturing the global picture of the ASD-clock network in combined form is critical. METHODS We reconstructed the protein-protein interaction network of ASD and circadian rhythm to understand the connection between autism and the circadian clock. A graph theoretical study is undertaken to evaluate whether the network attributes are biologically realistic. The gene ontology enrichment analyses provide information about the most important biological processes. RESULTS This study takes a fresh look at metabolic mechanisms and the identification of potential key proteins/pathways (ribosome biogenesis, oxidative stress, insulin/IGF pathway, Wnt pathway, and mTOR pathway), as well as the effects of specific conditions (such as maternal stress or disruption of circadian rhythm) on the development of ASD due to environmental factors. CONCLUSION Understanding the relationship between circadian rhythm and ASD provides insight into the involvement of these essential pathways in the pathogenesis/etiology of ASD, as well as potential early intervention options and chronotherapeutic strategies for treating or preventing the neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekin Yurdakul
- Department of Chemical EngineeringBogazici University, Biosystems Engineering LaboratoryIstanbulTurkey
| | - Yaman Barlas
- Department of Industrial EngineeringBogazici University, Socio‐Economic System Dynamics Research Group (SESDYN)IstanbulTurkey
| | - Kutlu O. Ulgen
- Department of Chemical EngineeringBogazici University, Biosystems Engineering LaboratoryIstanbulTurkey
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16
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Yao Y, Baronio D, Chen YC, Jin C, Panula P. The Roles of Histamine Receptor 1 (hrh1) in Neurotransmitter System Regulation, Behavior, and Neurogenesis in Zebrafish. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6660-6675. [PMID: 37474883 PMCID: PMC10533647 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03447-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Histamine receptors mediate important physiological processes and take part in the pathophysiology of different brain disorders. Histamine receptor 1 (HRH1) is involved in the development of neurotransmitter systems, and its role in neurogenesis has been proposed. Altered HRH1 binding and expression have been detected in the brains of patients with schizophrenia, depression, and autism. Our goal was to assess the role of hrh1 in zebrafish development and neurotransmitter system regulation through the characterization of hrh1-/- fish generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry were used to study neurotransmitter systems and genes essential for brain development. Additionally, we wanted to reveal the role of this histamine receptor in larval and adult fish behavior using several quantitative behavioral methods including locomotion, thigmotaxis, dark flash and startle response, novel tank diving, and shoaling behavior. Hrh1-/- larvae displayed normal behavior in comparison with hrh1+/+ siblings. Interestingly, a transient abnormal expression of important neurodevelopmental markers was evident in these larvae, as well as a reduction in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase 1 (Th1)-positive cells, th1 mRNA, and hypocretin (hcrt)-positive cells. These abnormalities were not detected in adulthood. In summary, we verified that zebrafish lacking hrh1 present deficits in the dopaminergic and hypocretin systems during early development, but those are compensated by the time fish reach adulthood. However, impaired sociability and anxious-like behavior, along with downregulation of choline O-acetyltransferase a and LIM homeodomain transcription factor Islet1, were displayed by adult fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Yao
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Diego Baronio
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yu-Chia Chen
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Congyu Jin
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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17
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Zucchini C, Serpe C, De Sanctis P, Ghezzo A, Visconti P, Posar A, Facchin F, Marini M, Abruzzo PM. TLDc Domain-Containing Genes in Autism Spectrum Disorder: New Players in the Oxidative Stress Response. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15802. [PMID: 37958785 PMCID: PMC10647648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115802] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Recent evidence suggests that the TLDc [Tre2/Bub2/Cdc16 (TBC), lysin motif (LysM), domain catalytic] domain is a highly conserved motif present in proteins that are important players in the OS response and in neuroprotection. Human proteins sharing the TLDc domain include OXR1, TLDC1, NCOA7, TBC1D24, and C20ORF118. This study was aimed at understanding whether TLDc domain-containing mRNAs together with specific microRNAs (200b-3p and 32-5p) and long noncoding RNAs (TUG1), known to target TLDc proteins, contributed to regulate the OS response in ASD. Data showed a significant increase in the levels of OXR1 and TLDC1 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of ASD children compared to their neurotypically developing (NTD) counterparts, along with an increase in TUG1 mRNA expression levels, suggesting its possible role in the regulation of TLDc proteins. A positive correlation between the expression of some TLDc mRNAs and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) global score as well as inflammatory gene expression was found. In conclusion, our data suggest a novel biological pathway in the OS response of ASD subjects that deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Zucchini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.); (C.S.); (P.D.S.); (F.F.); (P.M.A.)
| | - Carmela Serpe
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.); (C.S.); (P.D.S.); (F.F.); (P.M.A.)
| | - Paola De Sanctis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.); (C.S.); (P.D.S.); (F.F.); (P.M.A.)
| | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- Grioni Center-Danelli Foundation, Largo Stefano ed Angela Danelli 1, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Paola Visconti
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOSI Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (P.V.); (A.P.)
| | - Annio Posar
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOSI Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (P.V.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.); (C.S.); (P.D.S.); (F.F.); (P.M.A.)
| | - Marina Marini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.); (C.S.); (P.D.S.); (F.F.); (P.M.A.)
| | - Provvidenza Maria Abruzzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.); (C.S.); (P.D.S.); (F.F.); (P.M.A.)
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18
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de Miguel L, Ballester P, Egoavil C, Sánchez-Ocaña ML, García-Muñoz AM, Cerdá B, Zafrilla P, Ramos E, Peiró AM. Pharmacogenetics May Prevent Psychotropic Adverse Events in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Observational Pilot Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1496. [PMID: 37895967 PMCID: PMC10610471 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Up to 73% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) currently have prescriptions for psychotropic drugs. This is explained by a higher prevalence of medical and psychiatric chronic comorbidities, which favors polypharmacy, increasing the probability of the appearance of adverse events (AEs). These could be a preventable cause of harm to patients with ASD and an unnecessary waste of healthcare resources. OBJECTIVE To study the impact of pharmacogenetic markers on the prevention of AE appearance in a population with ASD and ID. METHODS This is a cross-sectional, observational study (n = 118, 72 participants completed all information) in the ASD population. Sociodemographic and pharmacological data were gathered. The Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Scale (UKU Scale) was used to identify AEs related to the use of psychotropic medication. Polymorphisms of DOP2, ABCB1, and COMT were genotyped and correlated with the AE to find candidate genes. Furthermore, a review of all medications assessed in a clinical trial for adults with autism was performed to enrich the search for potential pharmacogenetic markers, keeping in mind the usual medications. RESULTS The majority of the study population were men (75%) with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy, the most frequently prescribed drugs were antipsychotics (69%); 21% of the participants had four or more AEs related to psychotropic drugs. The most common were "Neurological" and" Psychiatric" (both 41%). Statistical analysis results suggested a significant correlation between the neurological symptoms and the DOP2 genotype, given that they are not equally distributed among its allelic variants. The final review considered 19 manuscripts of medications for adults with ASD, and the confirmed genetic markers for those medications were consulted in databases. CONCLUSION A possible correlation between neurologic AEs and polymorphisms of DOP2 was observed; therefore, studying this gene could contribute to the safety of this population's prescriptions. The following studies are underway to maximize statistical power and have a better representation of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura de Miguel
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Pura Ballester
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cecilia Egoavil
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - María Luisa Sánchez-Ocaña
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana María García-Muñoz
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Begoña Cerdá
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Zafrilla
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Enrique Ramos
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Ana M. Peiró
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain
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Martins AF, de Campos LJ, Conda-Sheridan M, de Melo EB. Pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics studies to identify new 5-HT 2AR antagonists with the potential for design of new atypical antipsychotics. Mol Divers 2023; 27:2217-2238. [PMID: 36409431 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10553-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Some important atypical antipsychotic drugs target the serotonergic receptor 2A (5-HT2AR). Currently, new therapeutic strategies are needed to offer faster onset of action with fewer side effects and, therefore, greater efficacy in a substantial proportion of patients with neuropsychological disorders such as Autism and Parkinson. The main objective of this work was to use SBDD methods to identify new hit compounds potentially useful as precursors of novel and selective 5-HT2AR antagonists. A structure-based pharmacophore screening study based on a selective antagonist was carried out in ten databases. The set obtained was refined using molecular docking, and the five most promising compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulations. The most stable and promising hit occupied a side pocket present in the 5-HT2AR, a site that can be explored to obtain selective ligands. Simulations against 5-HT2CR and D2R showed that the best hit could not form stable complexes with these targets, strengthening the hypothesis that the hit presents selective binding by the receptor of interest. The selected hits showed some predicted toxicity risk or violated some drug-likeness property. However, it can be concluded that the identified hits are the most promising for performing in vitro assays. Once the presence of activity is confirmed, they could become precursors of optimized and selective antagonists of 5-HT2AR. An SBDD study was carried out to identify new selective 5-HT2AR ligands potentially useful for designing selective atypical antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allana Faustino Martins
- Theoretical Medicinal and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (LQMAT), Department of Pharmacy, Western Paraná State University (UNIOESTE), Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luana Janaína de Campos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Martin Conda-Sheridan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Eduardo Borges de Melo
- Theoretical Medicinal and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (LQMAT), Department of Pharmacy, Western Paraná State University (UNIOESTE), Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil.
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Souza AJ, Sharmin D, Cook JM, Guimarães FS, Gomes FV. An alpha 5-GABAa receptor positive allosteric modulator attenuates social and cognitive deficits without changing dopamine system hyperactivity in an animal model for autism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.24.554679. [PMID: 37662217 PMCID: PMC10473734 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.24.554679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) 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 GABA A receptors (α5-GABA A Rs) SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 (10 mg/kg) attenuates behavioral abnormalities in a rat model for autism based on in utero VPA exposure. 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. 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. Male and female adult 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 α5-GABA A Rs positive allosteric modulators may effectively attenuate some core ASD symptoms.
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21
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Khan A, Kamal M, Alhothi A, Gad H, Adan MA, Ponirakis G, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy demonstrates sensory nerve loss in children with autism spectrum disorder. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288399. [PMID: 37437060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulty in communication and interaction with others. Postmortem studies have shown cerebral neuronal loss and neuroimaging studies show neuronal loss in the amygdala, cerebellum and inter-hemispheric regions of the brain. Recent studies have shown altered tactile discrimination and allodynia on the face, mouth, hands and feet and intraepidermal nerve fiber loss in the legs of subjects with ASD. Fifteen children with ASD (age: 12.00 ± 3.55 years) and twenty age-matched healthy controls (age: 12.83 ± 1.91 years) underwent corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and quantification of corneal nerve fiber morphology. Corneal nerve fibre density (fibers/mm2) (28.61 ± 5.74 vs. 40.42 ± 8.95, p = 0.000), corneal nerve fibre length (mm/mm2) (16.61 ± 3.26 vs. 21.44 ± 4.44, p = 0.001), corneal nerve branch density (branches/mm2) (43.68 ± 22.71 vs. 62.39 ± 21.58, p = 0.018) and corneal nerve fibre tortuosity (0.037 ± 0.023 vs. 0.074 ± 0.017, p = 0.000) were significantly lower and inferior whorl length (mm/mm2) (21.06 ± 6.12 vs. 23.43 ± 3.95, p = 0.255) was comparable in children with ASD compared to controls. CCM identifies central corneal nerve fiber loss in children with ASD. These findings, urge the need for larger longitudinal studies to determine the utility of CCM as an imaging biomarker for neuronal loss in different subtypes of ASD and in relation to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Khan
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Madeeha Kamal
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdula Alhothi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Marian A Adan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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22
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Taheri F, Esmaeilpour K, Sepehri G, Sheibani V, Shekari MA. Amelioration of cognition impairments in the valproic acid-induced animal model of autism by ciproxifan, a histamine H3-receptor antagonist. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:179-196. [PMID: 37171458 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behavior. Many studies show that the number of cognitive impairmentscan be reduced by antagonists of the histamine H3 receptor (H3R). In this study, the effects of ciproxifan (CPX) (1 and 3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on cognitive impairments in rat pups exposed to valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) wereexamined on postnatal day 48-50 (PND 48-50) using marble-burying task (MBT), open field, novel object recognition (NOR), and Passive avoidance tasks. Famotidine (FAM) (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was also used to determine whether histaminergic neurotransmission exerts its procognitive effects via H2 receptors (H2Rs). Furthermore, a histological investigation was conducted to assess the degree of degeneration of hippocampal neurons. The results revealed that repetitive behaviors increased in VPA-exposed rat offspring in the MBT. In addition, VPA-exposed rat offspring exhibited more anxiety-like behaviors in the open field than saline-treated rats. It was found that VPA-exposed rat offspring showed memory deficits in NOR and Passive avoidance tasks. Our results indicated that 3 mg/kg CPX improved cognitive impairments induced by VPA, while 20 mg/kg FAM attenuated them. We concluded that 3 mg/kg CPX improved VPA-induced cognitive impairments through H3Rs. The histological assessment showed that the number of CA1 neurons decreased in the VPA-exposed rat offspring compared to the saline-exposed rat offspring, but this decrease was not significant. The histological assessment also revealed no significant differences in CA1 neurons in VPA-exposed rat offspring compared to saline-exposed rat offspring. However, CPX3 increased the number of CA1 neurons in the VPA + CPX3 group compared to the VPA + Saline group, but this increase was not significant. This study showed that rats prenatally exposed to VPA exhibit cognitive impairments in the MBT, open field, NOR, and Passive avoidance tests, which are ameliorated by CPX treatment on PND 48-50. In addition, morphological investigations showed that VPA treatment did not lead to neuronal degeneration in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus in rat pups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gholamreza Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Asadi Shekari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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23
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Gandhi T, Canepa CR, Adeyelu TT, Adeniyi PA, Lee CC. Neuroanatomical Alterations in the CNTNAP2 Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2023; 13:891. [PMID: 37371370 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with neurodevelopmental alterations, including atypical forebrain cellular organization. Mutations in several ASD-related genes often result in cerebral cortical anomalies, such as the abnormal developmental migration of excitatory pyramidal cells and the malformation of inhibitory neuronal circuitry. Notably here, mutations in the CNTNAP2 gene result in ectopic superficial cortical neurons stalled in lower cortical layers and alterations to the balance of cortical excitation and inhibition. However, the broader circuit-level implications of these findings have not been previously investigated. Therefore, we assessed whether ectopic cortical neurons in CNTNAP2 mutant mice form aberrant connections with higher-order thalamic nuclei, potentially accounting for some autistic behaviors, such as repetitive and hyperactive behaviors. Furthermore, we assessed whether the development of parvalbumin-positive (PV) cortical interneurons and their specialized matrix support structures, called perineuronal nets (PNNs), were altered in these mutant mice. We found alterations in both ectopic neuronal connectivity and in the development of PNNs, PV neurons and PNNs enwrapping PV neurons in various sensory cortical regions and at different postnatal ages in the CNTNAP2 mutant mice, which likely lead to some of the cortical excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance associated with ASD. These findings suggest neuroanatomical alterations in cortical regions that underlie the emergence of ASD-related behaviors in this mouse model of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, USA
| | - Cade R Canepa
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, USA
| | - Tolulope T Adeyelu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, USA
| | - Philip A Adeniyi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, USA
| | - Charles C Lee
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, USA
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Wu J, Li S, Zhang Y. Research progress in role of exosomes exosomes in mental disorders. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:771-781. [PMID: 37539580 PMCID: PMC10930398 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.220379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles with a structure of lipid bilayer-membrane. In the central nervous system (CNS), exosomes can be secreted from both neurons and glial cells. Exosomes released into the extracellular matrix can freely cross the blood-brain barrier and function as crucial carriers of cellular communication and substance exchange in the CNS. Exosomes play a key role in the pathological process of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder, and they have the potential to be used as a targeted carrier of antipsychotic medications. Exosomes are likely to become a new tool in the future to aid in the early prevention, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment for people with mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Wu
- Medical Psychological Center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
| | - Shansi Li
- Medical Psychological Center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011
| | - Yi Zhang
- Medical Psychological Center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
- Medical Psychological Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Xiangya), Changsha 410011, China.
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25
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Tran NB, Lee H, Lee SJ. Extracts from the edible insects Gryllus bimaculatus and Oxya chinensis sinuosa as an effective postnatal therapy for improving autistic behavior through blood-brain barrier control and gut microbiota. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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26
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Wang W, Zhang H, Wei L, Ma Y, Jiang H, Yuen CNT, Zhang J, Wu H, Shu Y. Microcystin-leucine arginine causes brain injury and functional disorder in Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles by oxidative stress and inflammation. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 258:106509. [PMID: 36989925 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is a toxin commonly found in eutrophic waters worldwide, but its potential effects on amphibian brain toxicity and exposure mechanisms are unclear. In this study, Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles were exposed to MC-LR for 30 days at realistic ambient concentrations (0, 0.5, and 2 µg/L) to reveal its effects on brain health. The MC-LR bioaccumulation in the brain increased in dependence on the concentration of MC-LR exposure. Exposure to 0.5 and 2 µg/L MC-LR resulted in a significant down-regulation of the expression of structural components of the blood-brain barrier (CLDN1), while the expression of genes associated with inflammation (NLRP3, TNF, IL-1β, and CXCL12) was significantly up-regulated with increased number of eosinophils. In the hippocampal and hypothalamic regions, the number of vacuolated neuropils increased with increasing MC-LR exposure concentration, while the expression of genes associated with neuronal development (LGALS1, CACNA2D2, and NLGN4X) and neurotransmitter transmission (SLC6A13 and AChE) was significantly down-regulated. Moreover, the levels of neurotransmitters (5-HT, glutamate, GABA, and ACh) were significantly reduced. These results provide strong evidence that MC-LR exposure at realistic ambient concentrations of 0.5 and 2 µg/L can break the blood-brain barrier and raise the accumulation of MC-LR in the brain tissue, causing structural damage and functional disorder to brain neurons. Further, based on transcriptomic and biochemical analysis, it was revealed that MC-LR exposure induces DNA damage through oxidative stress and may be an important pathway causing brain structural damage and functional disorder. Overall, this study demonstrates the significant effects of MC-LR on the brain tissue of amphibians, highlighting the sensitivity of amphibians to MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Luting Wei
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Huiling Jiang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Calista N T Yuen
- State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jihui Zhang
- School of Food Science and Biology Engineering, Wuhu Institute of Technology, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Hailong Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China.
| | - Yilin Shu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China.
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Murakami Y, Imamura Y, Kasahara Y, Yoshida C, Momono Y, Fang K, Sakai D, Konishi Y, Nishiyama T. Maternal Inflammation with Elevated Kynurenine Metabolites Is Related to the Risk of Abnormal Brain Development and Behavioral Changes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071087. [PMID: 37048160 PMCID: PMC10093447 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies show that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders. Maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation is considered one of the major environmental factors driving this process. The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) catabolism in mammalian cells. Activation of the KP following neuro-inflammation can generate various endogenous neuroactive metabolites that may impact brain functions and behaviors. Additionally, neurotoxic metabolites and excitotoxicity cause long-term changes in the trophic support, glutamatergic system, and synaptic function following KP activation. Therefore, investigating the role of KP metabolites during neurodevelopment will likely promote further understanding of additional pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, we describe the changes in KP metabolism in the brain during pregnancy and represent how maternal inflammation and genetic factors influence the KP during development. We overview the patients with ASD clinical data and animal models designed to verify the role of perinatal KP elevation in long-lasting biochemical, neuropathological, and behavioral deficits later in life. Our review will help shed light on new therapeutic strategies and interventions targeting the KP for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Murakami
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yukio Imamura
- Department of Architecture and Architectual Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine/Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kasahara
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yoshida
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuta Momono
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Ke Fang
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Biology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yukuo Konishi
- Center for Baby Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe 619-0225, Japan
- Healthcare and Medical Data Multi-Level Integration Platform Group, RIKEN Medical Sciences Innovation Hub Program, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Nishiyama
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
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Xiao L, Huo X, Wang Y, Li W, Li M, Wang C, Wang F, Sun T. A bibliometric analysis of global research status and trends in neuromodulation techniques in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:183. [PMID: 36941549 PMCID: PMC10026211 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04666-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease which has risen to become the main cause of childhood disability, placing a heavy burden on families and society. To date, the treatment of patients with ASD remains a complicated problem, for which neuromodulation techniques are a promising solution. This study analyzed the global research situation of neuromodulation techniques in the treatment of ASD from 1992 to 2022, aiming to explore the global research status and frontier trends in this field. METHODS The Web of Science (WoS) was searched for literature related to neuromodulation techniques for ASD from 1992 to October 2022. A knowledge atlas to analyze collaboration among countries, institutions, authors, publishing journals, reference co-citation patterns, keyword co-occurrence, keyword clustering, and burst keywords was constructed using Rstudio software, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer. RESULTS In total, 392 publications related to the treatment of ASD using neuromodulation techniques were included. Despite some fluctuations, the number of publications in this field has shown a growing trend in recent years. The United States and Deakin University are the leading country and institution in this field, respectively. The greatest contributing authors are Peter G Enticott, Manuel F Casanova, and Paul B Fitzgerald et al. The most prolific and cited journal is Brain Stimulation and the most commonly co-cited journal is The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. The most frequently cited article was that of Simone Rossi (Safety, ethical considerations, and application guidelines for the use of transverse magnetic stimulation in clinical practice and research, 2009). "Obsessive-compulsive disorder," "transcranial direct current stimulation," "working memory," "double blind" and "adolescent" were identified as hotspots and frontier trends of neuromodulation techniques in the treatment of ASD. CONCLUSION The application of neuromodulation techniques for ASD has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. Restoring the social ability and improving the comorbid symptoms in autistic children and adults have always been the focus of research. Neuromodulation techniques have demonstrated significant advantages and effects on these issues. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are new therapeutic methods introduced in recent years, and are also directions for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
| | - Xianhao Huo
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
| | - Chaofan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China.
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750000, China.
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Gandhi T, Liu CC, Adeyelu TT, Canepa CR, Lee CC. Behavioral regulation by perineuronal nets in the prefrontal cortex of the CNTNAP2 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1114789. [PMID: 36998537 PMCID: PMC10043266 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1114789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) arise from altered development of the central nervous system, and manifest behaviorally as social interaction deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Alterations to parvalbumin (PV) expressing interneurons have been implicated in the neuropathological and behavioral deficits in autism. In addition, perineuronal nets (PNNs), specialized extracellular matrix structures that enwrap the PV-expressing neurons, also may be altered, which compromises neuronal function and susceptibility to oxidative stress. In particular, the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which regulates several core autistic traits, relies on the normal organization of PNNs and PV-expressing cells, as well as other neural circuit elements. Consequently, we investigated whether PNNs and PV-expressing cells were altered in the PFC of the CNTNAP2 knockout mouse model of ASD and whether these contributed to core autistic-like behaviors in this model system. We observed an overexpression of PNNs, PV-expressing cells, and PNNs enwrapping PV-expressing cells in adult CNTNAP2 mice. Transient digestion of PNNs from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) by injection of chondroitinase ABC in CNTNAP2 mutant mice rescued some of the social interaction deficits, but not the restricted and repetitive behaviors. These findings suggest that the neurobiological regulation of PNNs and PVs in the PFC contribute to social interaction behaviors in neurological disorders including autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Chin-Chi Liu
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Tolulope T. Adeyelu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Cade R. Canepa
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Charles C. Lee
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Roufael M, Bitar T, Sacre Y, Andres C, Hleihel W. Folate–Methionine Cycle Disruptions in ASD Patients and Possible Interventions: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030709. [PMID: 36980981 PMCID: PMC10048251 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become a major public health concern due to its rapidly rising incidence over the past few years. Disturbances in folate or methionine metabolism have been identified in many individuals with ASD, suggesting that the folate–methionine cycle may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of autism. Thus, changes in metabolite concentrations associated with this cycle could be used as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ASD. The aim of this systematic review is to elucidate the perturbations of this cycle and the possible interventions that may be proposed in this context. Several studies have shown that high levels of homocysteine and low levels of vitamins B12 and folate are associated with ASD. These changes in serum metabolites are influenced by poor diet. In fact, children with ASD tend to eat selectively, which could compromise the quality of their diet and result in nutrient deficiencies. Moreover, these disturbances may also be caused by genetic predispositions such as polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene. Few studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of the use of nutritional supplements in treating ASD children. Therefore, larger, well-structured studies are recommended to examine the impact of vitamin B12 and folate supplementation on homocysteine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Roufael
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
- UMR Inserm 1253 Ibrain, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (T.B.)
| | - Tania Bitar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (T.B.)
| | - Yonna Sacre
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Christian Andres
- UMR Inserm 1253 Ibrain, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Walid Hleihel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
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Pérez-Cano L, Azidane Chenlo S, Sabido-Vera R, Sirci F, Durham L, Guney E. Translating precision medicine for autism spectrum disorder: A pressing need. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103486. [PMID: 36623795 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103486] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogenous group of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with a high unmet medical need. Currently, ASD is diagnosed according to behavior-based criteria that overlook clinical and genomic heterogeneity, thus repeatedly resulting in failed clinical trials. Here, we summarize the scientific evidence pointing to the pressing need to create a precision medicine framework for ASD and other NDDs. We discuss the role of omics and systems biology to characterize more homogeneous disease subtypes with different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and to determine corresponding tailored treatments. Finally, we provide recent initiatives towards tackling the complexity in NDDs for precision medicine and cost-effective drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pérez-Cano
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Azidane Chenlo
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Sabido-Vera
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Sirci
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lynn Durham
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain; Drug Development Unit (DDU), STALICLA SA, Avenue de Sécheron 15, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Emre Guney
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain.
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Jonkman KM, Back E, Begeer S. Predicting intervention use in autistic children: Demographic and autism-specific characteristics. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:428-442. [PMID: 35695079 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221102748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autism is a condition that is characterised by social communication difficulties and restrictive and repetitive behaviours or interests. Autism can present in many different ways and various interventions are available. Some interventions are conventional, and they are recommended to be used for children with autism (guideline therapies) or for other disorders such as anxiety or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (mainstream therapies or medication), while others are less conventional (other therapies or medication, they are discouraged, unknown or alternative). Little is known about who chooses which intervention. This study found that most autistic children use some kind of intervention. Children who attend special education or have an additional diagnosis (other than autism) tend to receive more therapies, while children with a lower IQ receive fewer therapies. Older children, children with a higher IQ and girls are more likely to use conventional (mainstream or guideline) therapies. Children whose parents have a lower educational level are more likely to have used conventional medication. Whereas, children with more sensory issues (e.g. sensitivity to sound, smell or movement) were more likely to have used unconventional medication. This study found that other autism-related characteristics such as the number of autism symptoms, social skills and repetitive and restrictive behaviours were not related to the interventions used. More treatments focussed on multiple problems should be available for children with autism who have additional difficulties.
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Koevoet D, Deschamps PKH, Kenemans JL. Catecholaminergic and cholinergic neuromodulation in autism spectrum disorder: A comparison to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1078586. [PMID: 36685234 PMCID: PMC9853424 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1078586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Treatment of ASD is notoriously difficult and might benefit from identification of underlying mechanisms that overlap with those disturbed in other developmental disorders, for which treatment options are more obvious. One example of the latter is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), given the efficacy of especially stimulants in treatment of ADHD. Deficiencies in catecholaminergic systems [dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE)] in ADHD are obvious targets for stimulant treatment. Recent findings suggest that dysfunction in catecholaminergic systems may also be a factor in at least a subgroup of ASD. In this review we scrutinize the evidence for catecholaminergic mechanisms underlying ASD symptoms, and also include in this analysis a third classic ascending arousing system, the acetylcholinergic (ACh) network. We complement this with a comprehensive review of DA-, NE-, and ACh-targeted interventions in ASD, and an exploratory search for potential treatment-response predictors (biomarkers) in ASD, genetically or otherwise. Based on this review and analysis we propose that (1) stimulant treatment may be a viable option for an ASD subcategory, possibly defined by genetic subtyping; (2) cerebellar dysfunction is pronounced for a relatively small ADHD subgroup but much more common in ASD and in both cases may point toward NE- or ACh-directed intervention; (3) deficiency of the cortical salience network is sizable in subgroups of both disorders, and biomarkers such as eye blink rate and pupillometric data may predict the efficacy of targeting this underlying deficiency via DA, NE, or ACh in both ASD and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Koevoet
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Damian Koevoet,
| | - P. K. H. Deschamps
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J. L. Kenemans
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Bhat AA, Gupta G, Afzal O, Kazmi I, Al-Abbasi FA, Alfawaz Altamimi AS, Almalki WH, Alzarea SI, Singh SK, Dua K. Neuropharmacological effect of risperidone: From chemistry to medicine. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 369:110296. [PMID: 36496108 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110296] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As the second-oldest atypical antipsychotic, risperidone has a long history of off-label usage for treating behavioural and psychological signs and symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as agitation, aggressiveness, and psychosis. Risperidone has been shown in several trials to have a statistically significant benefit when used in a therapeutic context. Several lines of evidence suggest a possible role of risperidone via the antagonistic effect of Dopamine D2 and 5HT-receptor in different neurological diseases like cognitive dysfunction of schizophrenia, neuroinflammation, Huntington's disease, and sleep cycle management. Therefore, the pharmacological interactions of risperidone in all these diseases were investigated. Some reports on the use of risperidone in the treatment of dopaminergic psychosis have been slightly conflicting. However, more research is needed to evaluate the role of risperidone in the treatment of these neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Ahmad Bhat
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, 302017, Mahal Road, Jaipur, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, 302017, Mahal Road, Jaipur, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India.
| | - Obaid Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Al-Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
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Assessment of Feeding Behaviors and Parents' Frustrations of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Lebanon: A Case-Control Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010117. [PMID: 36670667 PMCID: PMC9856887 DOI: 10.3390/children10010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit restrictive and repetitive behaviors that affect their eating habits. The purpose of this study is to identify the behavioral feeding problems and eating habits among ASD children compared to typically developed (TD) children age/gender-matched controls, along with their parents'/caregivers' strategies for dealing with them. It included 43 ASD children and 43 TD children aged two to eleven years. The analysis was performed based on two valid questionnaires: the Behavior Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFA) and "My Child Eating Habits" (MCEH). The BPFA and MCEH scores conceded three manifestations that fall into food selectivity and problematic mealtime behavior in both groups of children. Compared to TD children, children with ASD exhibited higher BPFA scores, which indicated food-related behavioral and skill-based problems (p = 0.004). Children with ASD were less likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and milk than TD children, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.010, respectively). Parents of ASD children were concerned about their behavioral problems and expressed their intention of an early intervention. These findings highlight the importance of nutritional clinical routines that incorporate the evaluation of the nutritional status and feeding behaviors of ASD children.
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Chhabra S, Nardi L, Leukel P, Sommer CJ, Schmeisser MJ. Striatal increase of dopamine receptor 2 density in idiopathic and syndromic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1110525. [PMID: 36970280 PMCID: PMC10030619 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1110525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a wide range of neurodevelopmental phenotypes united by impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior. Environmental and genetic factors are associated with the pathogenesis of ASD, while other cases are classified as idiopathic. The dopaminergic system has a profound impact in the modulation of motor and reward-motivated behaviors, and defects in dopaminergic circuits are implicated in ASD. In our study, we compare three well-established mouse models of ASD, one idiopathic, the BTBR strain, and two syndromic, Fmr1 and Shank3 mutants. In these models, and in humans with ASD, alterations in dopaminergic metabolism and neurotransmission were highlighted. Still, accurate knowledge about the distribution of dopamine receptor densities in the basal ganglia is lacking. Using receptor autoradiography, we describe the neuroanatomical distribution of D1 and D2 receptors in dorsal and ventral striatum at late infancy and adulthood in the above-mentioned models. We show that D1 receptor binding density is different among the models irrespective of the region. A significant convergence in increased D2 receptor binding density in the ventral striatum at adulthood becomes apparent in BTBR and Shank3 lines, and a similar trend was observed in the Fmr1 line. Altogether, our results confirm the involvement of the dopaminergic system, showing defined alterations in dopamine receptor binding density in three well-established ASD lines, which may provide a plausible explanation to some of the prevalent traits of ASD. Moreover, our study provides a neuroanatomical framework to explain the utilization of D2-acting drugs such as Risperidone and Aripiprazole in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuti Chhabra
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonardo Nardi
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Petra Leukel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Clemens J. Sommer
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael J. Schmeisser,
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Eissa N, Awad MA, Thomas SD, Venkatachalam K, Jayaprakash P, Zhong S, Stark H, Sadek B. Simultaneous Antagonism at H3R/D2R/D3R Reduces Autism-like Self-Grooming and Aggressive Behaviors by Mitigating MAPK Activation in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010526. [PMID: 36613969 PMCID: PMC9820264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation in brain neurotransmitters underlies several neuropsychiatric disorders, e.g., autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Also, abnormalities in the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway pave the way for neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and altered learning phenotype in ASD. Therefore, the effects of chronic systemic administration of the multiple-targeting antagonist ST-713 at the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) and dopamine D2/D3 receptors (D2/D3R) on repetitive self-grooming, aggressive behaviors, and abnormalities in the MAPK pathway in BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice were assessed. The results showed that ST-713 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated repetitive self-grooming and aggression in BTBR mice (all p < 0.05), and the ameliorative effects of the most promising dose of ST-713 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on behaviors were completely abrogated by co-administration of the H3R agonist (R)-α-methylhistamine or the anticholinergic drug scopolamine. Moreover, the elevated levels of several MAPK pathway proteins and induced proinflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were significantly suppressed following chronic administration of ST-713 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, ST-713 significantly increased the levels of histamine and dopamine in hippocampal tissue of treated BTBR mice (all p < 0.01). The current observations signify the potential role of such multiple-targeting compounds, e.g., ST-713, in multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin Eissa
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Al Awad
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karthikkumar Venkatachalam
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Petrilla Jayaprakash
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sicheng Zhong
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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Karatoprak S, Acıkel SB, Akyildiz A, Coşkun F, Yerlikaya FH. Comparison of serum thrombospondin-1 and thrombospondin-2 levels among children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 70:677-683. [PMID: 38983482 PMCID: PMC11229715 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2137287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the etiology of which has not been clearly determined yet. There is increasing evidence that synaptic and dendritic changes are involved in the etiology of ASD. The aim of this study is to determine whether serum Thrombospondin-1 and Thrombospondin-2 differ between ASD patients and healthy controls. This study also investigates possible correlations between clinical symptomatology of ASD and serum Thrombospondin-1 and Thrombospondin-2 levels. Method: A total of 44 children with ASD and 21 healthy controls under 6 years of age were included in the study. Symptom severity and behavioral problems among children with ASD were evaluated by using Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Abnormal Behavior Checklist. Serum levels of Thrombospondin-1 and Thrombospondin-2 were measured by using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Result: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of serum Thrombospondin-1 and Thrombospondin-2 levels. In addition, no correlation was determined between Thrombospondin-2 levels and clinical symptomatology and severity of ASD. However, the Thrombospondin-1 level was found to negatively correlated with the total score of Childhood Autism Rating Scale, inappropriate speech and stereotype subscale scores of Aberrant Behavior Checklist scale. Conclusion: Thrombospondin-1 might have a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. Further studies are required to clearly elucidate the association between Trombospondin-1 and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Karatoprak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Abdulbaki Akyildiz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Coşkun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Alleviates Social Behavior Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911077. [PMID: 36232395 PMCID: PMC9570008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive behavior, among other symptoms. ASD is highly heritable, with SHANK3 being one of the high-risk genes for ASD. In recent years, knowledge has been growing regarding the neuroplasticity effect induced by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and its potential use for ASD. Here, we characterized the effect of HBOT on a mouse model for ASD with the human genetic condition of InsG3680 mutation in the Shank3 gene. As compared to placebo, HBOT improved social behavior and reduced neuroinflammation in the cortex of the InsG3680(+/+) mice. Specifically, HBOT induced upregulation of Insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1) expression levels and reduced the number of Iba1-positive cells in the mouse model for ASD compared to placebo control. Together, our research suggests that HBOT has the potential to improve the clinical outcome of ASD by ameliorating some of the core pathophysiological processes responsible for the development of the disorder.
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Spee BTM, Sladky R, Fingerhut J, Laciny A, Kraus C, Carls-Diamante S, Brücke C, Pelowski M, Treven M. Repeating patterns: Predictive processing suggests an aesthetic learning role of the basal ganglia in repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Front Psychol 2022; 13:930293. [PMID: 36160532 PMCID: PMC9497189 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.930293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent, unvarying, and seemingly purposeless patterns of action and cognition are part of normal development, but also feature prominently in several neuropsychiatric conditions. Repetitive stereotyped behaviors (RSBs) can be viewed as exaggerated forms of learned habits and frequently correlate with alterations in motor, limbic, and associative basal ganglia circuits. However, it is still unclear how altered basal ganglia feedback signals actually relate to the phenomenological variability of RSBs. Why do behaviorally overlapping phenomena sometimes require different treatment approaches−for example, sensory shielding strategies versus exposure therapy for autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, respectively? Certain clues may be found in recent models of basal ganglia function that extend well beyond action selection and motivational control, and have implications for sensorimotor integration, prediction, learning under uncertainty, as well as aesthetic learning. In this paper, we systematically compare three exemplary conditions with basal ganglia involvement, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and autism spectrum conditions, to gain a new understanding of RSBs. We integrate clinical observations and neuroanatomical and neurophysiological alterations with accounts employing the predictive processing framework. Based on this review, we suggest that basal ganglia feedback plays a central role in preconditioning cortical networks to anticipate self-generated, movement-related perception. In this way, basal ganglia feedback appears ideally situated to adjust the salience of sensory signals through precision weighting of (external) new sensory information, relative to the precision of (internal) predictions based on prior generated models. Accordingly, behavioral policies may preferentially rely on new data versus existing knowledge, in a spectrum spanning between novelty and stability. RSBs may then represent compensatory or reactive responses, respectively, at the opposite ends of this spectrum. This view places an important role of aesthetic learning on basal ganglia feedback, may account for observed changes in creativity and aesthetic experience in basal ganglia disorders, is empirically testable, and may inform creative art therapies in conditions characterized by stereotyped behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca T. M. Spee
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson and Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ronald Sladky
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joerg Fingerhut
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Department of Philosophy, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Studies, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alice Laciny
- Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Christoph Kraus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Medical Neuroscience Cluster, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christof Brücke
- Medical Neuroscience Cluster, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthew Pelowski
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marco Treven
- Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research, Klosterneuburg, Austria
- Medical Neuroscience Cluster, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Marco Treven,
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Considering autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a neurodevelopmental condition associated with immune system impairments, we aimed to evaluate the potential benefits, efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective trans-resveratrol (RSV) in behavioral impairments and in a set of 8 microRNAs (miR) related to the immune system in pediatric subjects with ASD. METHODS This is an open-label pilot trial over a 3 months (90 days) study follow-up period designed to assess the effect of 200 mg/d RSV on 5 boys aged 10 to 13 (11.8 ± 1.1) years diagnosed with ASD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. RESULTS The RSV treatment significantly reduced the Aberrant Behavior Checklist total score (P = 0.042) and Irritability (P = 0.041), with no alteration in Stereotypical Behavior (P = 0.066), Hyperactivity (P = 0.068), and Lethargy/Social Withdrawal (P = 0.078) subscales. On the Clinical Global Impression scale, 3 individuals showed marked improvement in behavior; one showed mild improvement, and the other had no changes. The RSV treatment increased the miR-195-5p (P = 0.043), an important modulator of targets related to inflammatory and immunological pathways. RSV administration did not present adverse effects and did not alter clinical laboratory results. CONCLUSIONS RSV is a safe molecule for administrating in the pediatric population, able to modulate behavior alterations and molecules associated with the immune system, becoming a promising therapeutic strategy for large-scale studies in ASD, to investigate both behavioral and molecular approaches.
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Heval Özgen M, van den Brink W. Ketamine Self-Medication in a Patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Therapy-Resistant Depression. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2022; 32:268-272. [PMID: 38766674 PMCID: PMC11099673 DOI: 10.5152/pcp.2022.22037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In this case report, we present an adult male patient with autism spectrum disorder and a comorbid (treatment-resistant) mood disorder with suicidality. He has been treated with numerous psychopharmaceuticals, most recently risperidone and valproic acid. He has been hospitalized several times and has attempted suicide. He displayed limited social functioning, repetitive behaviors, sensory hypersensitivity, anxiety, depressed mood, anhedonia, low energy, and chronic suicidality. Despite intensive treatment, he remained highly symptomatic and unable to work. After repeatedly self-medicating with ketamine, the patient reported that his depression and suicidality disappeared and that his autism spectrum disorder symptoms were reduced. This case study - along with previous clinical studies - suggests that ketamine is likely to be effective against depression and suicidality and potentially effective against (certain) autism spectrum disorder symptoms. However, increasing public awareness of the beneficial effects of ketamine may lead to more unsupervised and thus risky use of ketamine for self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihriban Heval Özgen
- Parnassia Addiction Research Centre (PARC), Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Curium, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, Bijlmer, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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BDNF, proBDNF and IGF-1 serum levels in naïve and medicated subjects with autism. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13768. [PMID: 35962006 PMCID: PMC9374711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) promote the development and maintenance of neural circuits. Alterations in these factors might contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We asked whether serum BDNF, proBDNF, and IGF-1 levels are altered in an ASD population compared to controls. We measured serum BDNF, proBDNF, and IGF-1 immunoreactive protein in boys and girls aged 5–15 years old with mild to moderate ASD and non-autistic controls by ELISA. IGF-1 was increased in ASD serum compared to controls and was correlated with age and with CARS scores. Serum BDNF levels did not differ between groups, however, proBDNF serum levels were decreased in subjects with ASD compared to non-autistic controls. Medicated, but not unmedicated, ASD subjects exhibited lower serum proBDNF levels compared to controls, while neither IGF-1 nor BDNF levels differed between treatment groups. These data support the involvement of proBDNF and IGF-1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of autism.
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Lim S, Lee S. Chemical Modulators for Targeting Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Bench to Clinic. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165088. [PMID: 36014340 PMCID: PMC9414776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by diverse behavioral symptoms such as repetitive behaviors, social deficits, anxiety, hyperactivity, and irritability. Despite their increasing incidence, the specific pathological mechanisms of ASD are still unknown, and the degree and types of symptoms that vary from patient to patient make it difficult to develop drugs that target the core symptoms of ASD. Although various atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants have been applied to regulate ASD symptoms, these drugs can only alleviate the symptoms and do not target the major causes. Therefore, development of novel drugs targeting factors directly related to the onset of ASD is required. Among the various factors related to the onset of ASD, several chemical modulators to treat ASD, focused on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and glutamate receptors, microbial metabolites, and inflammatory cytokines, are explored in this study. In particular, we focus on the chemical drugs that have improved various aspects of ASD symptoms in animal models and in clinical trials for various ages of patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhyun Lim
- Creative Research Center for Brain Science, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Sanghee Lee
- Creative Research Center for Brain Science, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Department of HY-KIST Bio-Convergence, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-958-5138
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Taheri F, Esmaeilpour K, Sepehri G, Sheibani V, Ur Rehman N, Maneshian M. Histamine H3 receptor antagonist, ciproxifan, alleviates cognition and synaptic plasticity alterations in a valproic acid-induced animal model of autism. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2673-2693. [PMID: 35538250 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06155-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and cognitive behaviors. Histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists are considered as therapeutic factors for treating cognitive impairments. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the H3R antagonist, ciproxifan (CPX), on cognition impairment especially, spatial learning memory, and synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in autistic rats. METHODS Pregnant rats were injected with either valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline on an embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5). The effects of the H3R antagonist, ciproxifan (CPX) (1, 3 mg/kg, i.p.), were investigated on learning and memory in VPA-exposed rat pups and saline-exposed rat pups using Morris water maze (MWM) and social interaction tasks. The H2R antagonist, famotidine (FAM) (10, 20, 40 mg/kg, i.p.), was used to determine whether brain histaminergic neurotransmission exerted its procognitive effects through the H2R. In addition, synaptic reinforcement was evaluated by in vivo field potential recording. RESULTS The results showed that VPA-exposed rat pups had significantly lower sociability and social memory performance compared to the saline rats. VPA-exposed rat pups exhibited learning and memory impairments in the MWM task. In addition, VPA caused suppression of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Our results demonstrated that CPX 3 mg/kg improved VPA-induced cognitive impairments and FAM 20 mg/kg attenuated cognitive behaviors as well as electrophysiological properties. CONCLUSIONS CPX 3 mg/kg improved VPA-induced impairments of LTP as well as learning and memory deficits through H2R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Gholamreza Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Naeem Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Marzieh Maneshian
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Experimental Studies Indicate That ST-2223, the Antagonist of Histamine H3 and Dopamine D2/D3 Receptors, Restores Social Deficits and Neurotransmission Dysregulation in Mouse Model of Autism. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080929. [PMID: 36015079 PMCID: PMC9414676 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered regulation of neurotransmitters may lead to many pathophysiological changes in brain disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the fact that there are no FDA-approved effective treatments for the social deficits in ASD, the present study determined the effects of chronic systemic treatment of the novel multiple-active H3R/D2R/D3R receptor antagonist ST-2223 on ASD-related social deficits in a male Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) mice. ST-2223 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly and dose-dependently mitigated social deficits and disturbed anxiety levels of BTBR mice (p < 0.05) in comparison to the effects of aripiprazole (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Moreover, levels of monoaminergic neurotransmitters quantified by LC-MS/MS in four brain regions including the prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, striatum, and hippocampus unveiled significant elevation of histamine (HA) in the cerebellum and striatum; dopamine (DA) in the prefrontal cortex and striatum; as well as acetylcholine (ACh) in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus following ST-2223 (5 mg/kg) administration (all p < 0.05). These in vivo findings demonstrate the mitigating effects of a multiple-active H3R/D2R/D3R antagonist on social deficits of assessed BTBR mice, signifying its pharmacological potential to rescue core ASD-related behaviors and altered monoaminergic neurotransmitters. Further studies on neurochemical alterations in ASD are crucial to elucidate the early neurodevelopmental variations behind the core symptoms and heterogeneity of ASD, leading to new approaches for the future therapeutic management of ASD.
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Joshi P, Bisht A, Joshi S, Semwal D, Nema NK, Dwivedi J, Sharma S. Ameliorating potential of curcumin and its analogue in central nervous system disorders and related conditions: A review of molecular pathways. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3143-3180. [PMID: 35790042 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7522] [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: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin, isolated from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is one of the broadly studied phytomolecule owing to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and has been considered a promising therapeutic candidate in a wide range of disorders. Considering, its low bioavailability, different curcumin analogs have been developed to afford desired pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic outcome in varied pathological states. Several preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that curcumin ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress apoptosis-mediated neural cell degeneration and could effectively be utilized in the treatment of different neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, in this review, we have summarized key findings of experimental and clinical studies conducted on curcumin and its analogues with special emphasis on molecular pathways, viz. NF-kB, Nrf2-ARE, glial activation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, SOCS/JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt, ERK1/2 /MyD88 /p38 MAPK, JNK, iNOS/NO, and MMP pathways involved in imparting ameliorative effects in the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders and associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Joshi
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India.,R & D, Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, Patanjali Food and Herbal Park, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Akansha Bisht
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sushil Joshi
- R & D, Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, Patanjali Food and Herbal Park, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deepak Semwal
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Nema
- Paramount Kumkum Private Limited, Prestige Meridian-1, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jaya Dwivedi
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India
| | - Swapnil Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India
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Piersma D, Aguilar M, Seibert H, Boyle B, Griffith G, Valdovinos MG. Descriptive Longitudinal Analysis of Stereotypy and Corresponding Changes in Psychotropic Medication. Dev Neurorehabil 2022; 25:298-308. [PMID: 34865596 PMCID: PMC9166166 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.2011461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychotropic medication is often prescribed to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who engage in challenging and other behavior (e.g., aggression and stereotypy, respectively), but there is limited understanding of the effects of these medications on behavior. OBJECTIVE Within the context of a larger study that evaluated the effects of psychotropic medication regimen changes on the presentation of challenging behavior, this study describes the presentation of stereotypic behavior of three individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. METHODS Stereotypy was measured during weekly, one-hour, direct observations and during the control and ignore conditions of functional analyses of challenging behavior (which were conducted following changes in psychotropic medication regimens). RESULTS Patterns of stereotypy varied over time, but not significantly, and at times seemed to coincide with medication changes. DISCUSSION Our results suggest stereotypy persists throughout adulthood; however, additional research is needed.
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Soares MBP, Gonçalves RGJ, Vasques JF, da Silva-Junior AJ, Gubert F, Santos GC, de Santana TA, Almeida Sampaio GL, Silva DN, Dominici M, Mendez-Otero R. Current Status of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Treatment of Neurological Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:883378. [PMID: 35782379 PMCID: PMC9244712 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.883378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders include a wide spectrum of clinical conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. For these conditions, which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, generally limited or no treatments are available, and cell-based therapies have been intensively investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Among the available cell types, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been widely studied but as yet no cell-based treatment exists for neurological disease. We review current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies for neurological diseases, as well as possible mechanisms of action that may be explored to hasten the development of new and effective treatments. We also discuss the challenges for culture conditions, quality control, and the development of potency tests, aiming to generate more efficient cell therapy products for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena B. P. Soares
- Laboratório de Engenharia Tecidual e Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto SENAI de Sistemas Avançados de Saúde (CIMATEC ISI-SAS), Centro Universitário SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Renata G. J. Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa Redes de Pesquisa em Saúde no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana F. Vasques
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Almir J. da Silva-Junior
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa Redes de Pesquisa em Nanotecnologia no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Gubert
- Programa Redes de Pesquisa em Saúde no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Girlaine Café Santos
- Laboratório de Engenharia Tecidual e Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto SENAI de Sistemas Avançados de Saúde (CIMATEC ISI-SAS), Centro Universitário SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Thaís Alves de Santana
- Laboratório de Engenharia Tecidual e Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto SENAI de Sistemas Avançados de Saúde (CIMATEC ISI-SAS), Centro Universitário SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Louise Almeida Sampaio
- Laboratório de Engenharia Tecidual e Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto SENAI de Sistemas Avançados de Saúde (CIMATEC ISI-SAS), Centro Universitário SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Massimo Dominici
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Division of Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), Modena, Italy
| | - Rosalia Mendez-Otero
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa Redes de Pesquisa em Saúde no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa Redes de Pesquisa em Nanotecnologia no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Pallanti S, Di Ponzio M, Grassi E, Vannini G, Cauli G. Transcranial Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Retrospective Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9050755. [PMID: 35626932 PMCID: PMC9139753 DOI: 10.3390/children9050755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face several challenges due to deficits in social function and communication along with restricted patterns of behaviors. Often, they also have difficult-to-manage and disruptive behaviors. At the moment, there are no pharmacological treatments for ASD core features. Recently, there has been a growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions for ASD, such as neuromodulation. In this retrospective study, data are reported and analyzed from 21 patients (13 males, 8 females) with ASD, with an average age of 9.1 (range 5−15), who received six months of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) at home using two protocols (alpha and gamma), which, respectively, modulates the alpha and gamma bands. They were evaluated at baseline, after three and six months of treatment using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Home Situation Questionnaire-ASD (HSQ-ASD), the Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI), the Montefiore Einstein Rigidity Scale−Revised (MERS−R), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the SDAG, to evaluate attention. Findings show that tPBM was associated with a reduction in ASD severity, as shown by a decrease in CARS scores during the intervention (p < 0.001). A relevant reduction in noncompliant behavior and in parental stress have been found. Moreover, a reduction in behavioral and cognitive rigidity was reported as well as an improvement in attentional functions and in sleep quality. Limitations were discussed as well as future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pallanti
- Neurodevelopment Division, Istituto di Neuroscienze, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.D.P.); (E.G.); (G.V.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Michele Di Ponzio
- Neurodevelopment Division, Istituto di Neuroscienze, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.D.P.); (E.G.); (G.V.)
| | - Eleonora Grassi
- Neurodevelopment Division, Istituto di Neuroscienze, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.D.P.); (E.G.); (G.V.)
| | - Gloria Vannini
- Neurodevelopment Division, Istituto di Neuroscienze, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.D.P.); (E.G.); (G.V.)
| | - Gilla Cauli
- Asst Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy;
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