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Rajabi P, Noori AS, Sargolzaei J. Autism spectrum disorder and various mechanisms behind it. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 245:173887. [PMID: 39378931 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173887] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of social, communicative, and behavioral challenges. This comprehensive review delves into key aspects of ASD. Clinical Overview and genetic features provide a foundational understanding of ASD, highlighting the clinical presentation and genetic underpinnings that contribute to its complexity. We explore the intricate neurobiological mechanisms at play in ASD, including structural and functional differences that may underlie the condition's hallmark traits. Emerging research has shed light on the role of the immune system and neuroinflammation in ASD. This section investigates the potential links between immunological factors and ASD, offering insights into the condition's pathophysiology. We examine how atypical functional connectivity and alterations in neurotransmitter systems may contribute to the unique cognitive and behavioral features of ASD. In the pursuit of effective interventions, this section reviews current therapeutic strategies, ranging from behavioral and educational interventions to pharmacological approaches, providing a glimpse into the diverse and evolving landscape of ASD treatment. This holistic exploration of mechanisms in ASD aims to contribute to our evolving understanding of the condition and to guide the development of more targeted and personalized interventions for individuals living with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Rajabi
- Department of Psychiatry, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Ali Sabbah Noori
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Javad Sargolzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran.
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2
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Walia V, Wal P, Mishra S, Agrawal A, Kosey S, Dilipkumar Patil A. Potential role of oxytocin in the regulation of memories and treatment of memory disorders. Peptides 2024; 177:171222. [PMID: 38649032 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is an "affiliative" hormone or neurohormone or neuropeptide consists of nine amino acids, synthesized in magnocellular neurons of paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) of hypothalamus. OXT receptors are widely distributed in various region of brain and OXT has been shown to regulate various social and nonsocial behavior. Hippocampus is the main region which regulates the learning and memory. Hippocampus particularly regulates the acquisition of new memories and retention of acquired memories. OXT has been shown to regulate the synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and consolidation of memories. Further, findings from both preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that the OXT treatment improves performance in memory related task. Various trials have suggested the positive impact of intranasal OXT in the dementia patients. However, these studies are limited in number. In the present study authors have highlighted the role of OXT in the formation and retrieval of memories. Further, the study demonstrated the outcome of OXT treatment in various memory and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Walia
- SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
| | - Pranay Wal
- PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), Kanpur, UP 209305, India
| | - Shweta Mishra
- SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Ankur Agrawal
- Jai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Gwalior, MP, India
| | - Sourabh Kosey
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Aditya Dilipkumar Patil
- Founder, Tech Hom Research Solutions (THRS), Plot no. 38, 1st floor, opposite to biroba mandir, near ST stand, Satara, Maharashtra 415110, India
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3
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Baud O, Knoop M. [Oxytocin as a neuroprotective strategy in neonates: concept and preclinical evidence]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2024; 52:418-424. [PMID: 38145743 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prematurity and intra-uterine growth retardation are responsible for brain damage associated with various neurocognitive and behavioral disorders in more than 9 million children each year. Most pharmacological strategies aimed at preventing perinatal brain injury have not demonstrated substantial clinical benefits so far. In contrast, enrichment of the newborn's environment appears to have positive effects on brain structure and function, influences newborn hormonal responses, and has lasting neurobehavioral consequences during infancy and adulthood. Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide released by the hypothalamus, may represent the hormonal basis for these long-term effects. METHOD This review of the literature summarizes the knowledge concerning the effect of OT in the newborn and the preclinical data supporting its neuroprotective effect. RESULTS OT plays a role during the perinatal period, in parent-child attachment and in social behavior. Furthermore, preclinical studies strongly suggest that endogenous and synthetic OT is capable of regulating the inflammatory response of the central nervous system in response to situations of prematurity or more generally insults to the developing brain. The long-term effect of synthetic OT administration during labor is also discussed. CONCLUSION All the conceptual and experimental data converge to indicate that OT would be a promising candidate for neonatal neuroprotection, in particular through the regulation of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Baud
- Laboratoire du développement, Université de Genève, Genève, Suisse; Inserm U1141, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Service de Soins Intensifs Pédiatriques et Néonatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Genève, Suisse.
| | - Marit Knoop
- Laboratoire du développement, Université de Genève, Genève, Suisse
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Ford CL, McDonough AA, Horie K, Young LJ. Melanocortin agonism in a social context selectively activates nucleus accumbens in an oxytocin-dependent manner. Neuropharmacology 2024; 247:109848. [PMID: 38253222 PMCID: PMC10923148 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109848] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Social deficits are debilitating features of many psychiatric disorders, including autism. While time-intensive behavioral therapy is moderately effective, there are no pharmacological interventions for social deficits in autism. Many studies have attempted to treat social deficits using the neuropeptide oxytocin for its powerful neuromodulatory abilities and influence on social behaviors and cognition. However, clinical trials utilizing supplementation paradigms in which exogenous oxytocin is chronically administered independent of context have failed. An alternative treatment paradigm suggests pharmacologically activating the endogenous oxytocin system during behavioral therapy to enhance the efficacy of therapy by facilitating social learning. To this end, melanocortin receptor agonists like Melanotan II (MTII), which induces central oxytocin release and accelerates formation of partner preference, a form of social learning, in prairie voles, are promising pharmacological tools. To model pharmacological activation of the endogenous oxytocin system during behavioral therapy, we administered MTII prior to social interactions between male and female voles. We assessed its effect on oxytocin-dependent activity in brain regions subserving social learning using Fos expression as a proxy for neuronal activation. In non-social contexts, MTII only activated hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, a primary site of oxytocin synthesis. However, during social interactions, MTII selectively increased oxytocin-dependent activation of nucleus accumbens, a site critical for social learning. These results suggest a mechanism for the MTII-induced acceleration of partner preference formation observed in previous studies. Moreover, they are consistent with the hypothesis that pharmacologically activating the endogenous oxytocin system with a melanocortin agonist during behavioral therapy has potential to facilitate social learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Ford
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Anna A McDonough
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Kengo Horie
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Haaf R, Brandi ML, Albantakis L, Lahnakoski JM, Henco L, Schilbach L. Peripheral oxytocin levels are linked to hypothalamic gray matter volume in autistic adults: a cross-sectional secondary data analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1380. [PMID: 38228703 PMCID: PMC10791615 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is known to modulate social behavior and cognition and has been discussed as pathophysiological and therapeutic factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An accumulating body of evidence indicates the hypothalamus to be of particular importance with regard to the underlying neurobiology. Here we used a region of interest voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach to investigate hypothalamic gray matter volume (GMV) in autistic (n = 29, age 36.03 ± 11.0) and non-autistic adults (n = 27, age 30.96 ± 11.2). Peripheral plasma OXT levels and the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) were used for correlation analyses. Results showed no differences in hypothalamic GMV in autistic compared to non-autistic adults but suggested a differential association between hypothalamic GMV and OXT levels, such that a positive association was found for the ASD group. In addition, hypothalamic GMV showed a positive association with autistic traits in the ASD group. Bearing in mind the limitations such as a relatively small sample size, a wide age range and a high rate of psychopharmacological treatment in the ASD sample, these results provide new preliminary evidence for a potentially important role of the HTH in ASD and its relationship to the OXT system, but also point towards the importance of interindividual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Haaf
- Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
- Graduate School, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Marie-Luise Brandi
- Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Albantakis
- Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Outpatient and Day Clinic for Disorders of Social Interaction, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Juha M Lahnakoski
- Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lara Henco
- Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonhard Schilbach
- Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Outpatient and Day Clinic for Disorders of Social Interaction, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Munich, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Ozsvar J, Gissler M, Lavebratt C, Nilsson IAK. Exposures during pregnancy and at birth are associated with the risk of offspring eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:2232-2249. [PMID: 37646613 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24053] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders (ED) are severe psychiatric disorders, commonly debuting early. Aberrances in the intrauterine environment and at birth have been associated with risk of ED. Here, we explore if, and at what effect size, a variety of such exposures associate with offspring ED, that is, anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). METHODS This population-based cohort study, conducted from September 2021 to August 2023, used Finnish national registries of all live births in 1996-2014 (N = 1,097,753). Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to compare ED risk in exposed versus unexposed offspring, adjusting for potential confounders and performing sex-stratified analyses. RESULTS A total of 6614 offspring were diagnosed with an ED; 3668 AN, 666 BN, and 4248 EDNOS. Lower risk of offspring AN was seen with young mothers, continued smoking, and instrumental delivery, while higher risk was seen with older mothers, inflammatory disorders, prematurity, small for gestational age, and low Apgar. Offspring risk of BN was higher with continued smoking and prematurity, while lower with postmature birth. Offspring risk of EDNOS was lower with instrumental delivery, higher for older mothers, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin-treated pregestational diabetes, antibacterial treatment, prematurity, and small for gestational age. Sex-specific associations were found. CONCLUSIONS Several prenatal and at birth exposures are associated with offspring ED; however, we cannot exclude confounding by maternal BMI. Nevertheless, several exposures selectively associate with risk of either AN, BN, or EDNOS, and some are sex-specific, emphasizing the importance of subtype- and sex-stratified analyses of ED. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE We define environmental factors involved in the development of different ED, of importance as preventive measure, but also in order to aid in defining the molecular pathways involved and thus in the longer perspective contribute to the development of pharmacological treatment of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Ozsvar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mika Gissler
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Knowledge Brokers, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Centre for Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Catharina Lavebratt
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ida A K Nilsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Eating Disorders Innovation, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hirschel J, Carlhan-Ledermann A, Ferraz C, Brand LA, Filippa M, Gentaz E, Lejeune F, Baud O. Maternal Voice and Tactile Stimulation Modulate Oxytocin in Mothers of Hospitalized Preterm Infants: A Randomized Crossover Trial. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1469. [PMID: 37761430 PMCID: PMC10528509 DOI: 10.3390/children10091469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Prematurity is a major risk factor for perinatal stress and neonatal complications leading to systemic inflammation and abnormal mother-infant interactions. Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide regulating the inflammatory response and promoting mother-infant bonding. The release of this hormone might be influenced by either vocal or tactile stimulation. The main objective of the current randomized, crossover, clinical trial was to assess the salivary OT/cortisol balance in mothers following the exposure of their baby born preterm to two types of sensorial interventions: maternal voice without or with contingent tactile stimulation provided by the mother to her infant. Among the 26 mothers enrolled, maternal voice intervention alone had no effect on OT and cortisol levels in the mothers, but when associated with tactile stimulation, it induced a significant increase in maternal saliva oxytocin (38.26 ± 30.26 pg/mL before vs 53.91 ± 48.84 pg/mL after, p = 0.02), particularly in the mothers who delivered a female neonate. Maternal voice intervention induced a significant reduction in cortisol and an increase in OT levels in mothers when the maternal voice with a tactile stimulation intervention was performed first. In conclusion, exposure to the maternal voice with a contingent tactile stimulation was associated with subtle changes in the maternal hormonal balance between OT and cortisol. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger sample size and may ultimately guide caregivers in providing the best intervention to reduce parental stress following preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hirschel
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Children’s University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.H.); (A.C.-L.); (C.F.); (L.-A.B.)
| | - Audrey Carlhan-Ledermann
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Children’s University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.H.); (A.C.-L.); (C.F.); (L.-A.B.)
| | - Céline Ferraz
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Children’s University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.H.); (A.C.-L.); (C.F.); (L.-A.B.)
| | - Laure-Anne Brand
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Children’s University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.H.); (A.C.-L.); (C.F.); (L.-A.B.)
| | - Manuela Filippa
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Edouard Gentaz
- Sensorimotor, Affective and Social Development Unit, Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (E.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Fleur Lejeune
- Sensorimotor, Affective and Social Development Unit, Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (E.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Olivier Baud
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Children’s University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.H.); (A.C.-L.); (C.F.); (L.-A.B.)
- Inserm U1141, University of Paris, Paris 75019, France
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Deguire F, López-Arango G, Knoth IS, Côté V, Agbogba K, Lippé S. EEG repetition and change detection responses in infancy predict adaptive functioning in preschool age: a longitudinal study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9980. [PMID: 37340003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are mostly diagnosed around the age of 4-5 years, which is too late considering that the brain is most susceptive to interventions during the first two years of life. Currently, diagnosis of NDDs is based on observed behaviors and symptoms, but identification of objective biomarkers would allow for earlier screening. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the relationship between repetition and change detection responses measured using an EEG oddball task during the first year of life and at two years of age, and cognitive abilities and adaptive functioning during preschool years (4 years old). Identification of early biomarkers is challenging given that there is a lot of variability in developmental courses among young infants. Therefore, the second aim of this study is to assess whether brain growth is a factor of interindividual variability that influences repetition and change detection responses. To obtain variability in brain growth beyond the normative range, infants with macrocephaly were included in our sample. Thus, 43 normocephalic children and 20 macrocephalic children were tested. Cognitive abilities at preschool age were assessed with the WPPSI-IV and adaptive functioning was measured with the ABAS-II. Time-frequency analyses were conducted on the EEG data. Results indicated that repetition and change detection responses in the first year of life predict adaptive functioning at 4 years of age, independently of head circumference. Moreover, our findings suggested that brain growth explains variability in neural responses mostly in the first years of life, so that macrocephalic children did not display repetition suppression responses, while normocephalic children did. This longitudinal study demonstrates that the first year of life is an important period for the early screening of children at risk of developing NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Deguire
- Psychology Department, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Pôle en neuropsychologie et neuroscience cognitive et computationnelle (CerebrUM), University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Gabriela López-Arango
- Psychology Department, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pôle en neuropsychologie et neuroscience cognitive et computationnelle (CerebrUM), University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Inga Sophia Knoth
- Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Côté
- Psychology Department, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pôle en neuropsychologie et neuroscience cognitive et computationnelle (CerebrUM), University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kristian Agbogba
- Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
- École de technologie supérieure, University of Quebec, 1100 Notre-Dame W, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Lippé
- Psychology Department, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pôle en neuropsychologie et neuroscience cognitive et computationnelle (CerebrUM), University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Baud O, Knoop M, Jacquens A, Possovre ML. [Oxytocin: a new target for neuroprotection?]. Biol Aujourdhui 2023; 216:145-153. [PMID: 36744980 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2022012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Every year, 30 million infants worldwide are delivered after intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and 15 million are born preterm. These two conditions are the leading causes of ante-/perinatal stress and brain injury responsible for neurocognitive and behavioral disorders affecting more than 9 million children each year. Most pharmacological candidates to prevent perinatal brain damage have failed to demonstrate substantial benefits. In contrast, environment enrichment based on developmental care, skin-to-skin contact and vocal/music exposure appear to exert positive effects on brain structure and function. However, mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. There is strong evidence that an adverse environment during pregnancy and the neonatal period can influence hormonal responses of the newborn with long-lasting neurobehavioral consequences in infancy and adulthood. In particular, excessive cortisol release in response to perinatal stress associated with prematurity or IUGR is recognized to induce brain-programming effects and neuroinflammation, a key predictor of subsequent neurological impairments. These deleterious effects are known to be balanced by oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide released by the hypothalamus, which plays a role during the perinatal period and in social behavior. In addition, preclinical studies suggest that OT is able to regulate the central inflammatory response to injury in the adult brain. Using a rodent model of IUGR associated with developing white matter damage, we recently reported that carbetocin, a brain permeable OT receptor (OTR) agonist, induced a significant reduction of activated microglia, the primary immune cells of the brain. Moreover, this reduced microglia reactivity was associated with long-term neuroprotection. These findings make OT a promising candidate for neonatal neuroprotection through neuroinflammation regulation. However, the mechanisms linking endogenous OT and central inflammation response to injury have not yet been established. Further studies are needed to assess the protective role of OT in the developing brain through modulation of microglial activation, a key feature of brain injury observed in infants born preterm or growth-restricted. They are expected to have several impacts in the near future not only for improving knowledge of microglial cell physiology and reactivity during brain development, but also to design clinical trials testing interventions associated with endogenous OT release as a relevant strategy to alleviate neuroinflammation in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Baud
- Laboratoire du développement, Université de Genève, Genève, Suisse - Inserm U1141, Université Paris Cité, 75019 Paris, France - Service de Soins Intensifs Pédiatriques et Néonatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, 30 boulevard de Cluse, 1205 Genève, Suisse
| | - Marit Knoop
- Laboratoire du développement, Université de Genève, Genève, Suisse
| | - Alice Jacquens
- Laboratoire du développement, Université de Genève, Genève, Suisse - Inserm U1141, Université Paris Cité, 75019 Paris, France
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Talpo F, Spaiardi P, Castagno AN, Maniezzi C, Raffin F, Terribile G, Sancini G, Pisani A, Biella GR. Neuromodulatory functions exerted by oxytocin on different populations of hippocampal neurons in rodents. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1082010. [PMID: 36816855 PMCID: PMC9932910 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1082010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide widely known for its peripheral hormonal effects (i.e., parturition and lactation) and central neuromodulatory functions, related especially to social behavior and social, spatial, and episodic memory. The hippocampus is a key structure for these functions, it is innervated by oxytocinergic fibers, and contains OT receptors (OTRs). The hippocampal OTR distribution is not homogeneous among its subregions and types of neuronal cells, reflecting the specificity of oxytocin's modulatory action. In this review, we describe the most recent discoveries in OT/OTR signaling in the hippocampus, focusing primarily on the electrophysiological oxytocinergic modulation of the OTR-expressing hippocampal neurons. We then look at the effect this modulation has on the balance of excitation/inhibition and synaptic plasticity in each hippocampal subregion. Additionally, we review OTR downstream signaling, which underlies the OT effects observed in different types of hippocampal neuron. Overall, this review comprehensively summarizes the advancements in unraveling the neuromodulatory functions exerted by OT on specific hippocampal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Talpo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Spaiardi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Nicolas Castagno
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Maniezzi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Raffin
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Terribile
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Sancini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy,Nanomedicine Center, Neuroscience Center, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,Neurological Institute Foundation Casimiro Mondino (IRCCS), Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerardo Rosario Biella
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy,*Correspondence: Gerardo Rosario Biella,
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11
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Zayan U, Caccialupi Da Prato L, Muscatelli F, Matarazzo V. Modulation of the thermosensory system by oxytocin. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1075305. [PMID: 36698777 PMCID: PMC9868264 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1075305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone involved early in neurodevelopment and is implicated in multiple functions, including sensory modulation. Evidence of such modulation has been observed for different sensory modalities in both healthy and pathological conditions. This review summarizes the pleiotropic modulation that OT can exercise on an often overlooked sensory system: thermosensation. This system allows us to sense temperature variations and compensate for the variation to maintain a stable core body temperature. Oxytocin modulates autonomic and behavioral mechanisms underlying thermoregulation at both central and peripheral levels. Hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity for different sensory modalities, including thermosensitivity, is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), recapitulated in several ASD mouse models. These sensory dysregulations occur early in post-natal development and are correlated with dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system. In this study, we discussed the potential link between thermosensory atypia and the dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system in ASD.
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12
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Ghasemian S, Vardanjani MM, Sheibani V, Mansouri FA. Dynamic modulation of inhibition ability following repeated exposures to morphine in macaque monkey. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1151-1160. [PMID: 35971887 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221112952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in cognitive control, particularly inhibition ability, play crucial roles in susceptibility, progress, and relapse to opioid addiction. However, it is unclear when and how such deficits develop and interact with repeated exposures to prescribed opioids. AIM Using macaque monkey (Macaca mulatta), as an animal model with high translational merits in cognitive neuroscience, we tried to delineate alterations of inhibition ability in the course of repeated exposures to morphine. METHODS Monkeys were trained to perform stop-signal task and then we closely monitored their inhibition ability before exposure, after initial exposure, and following repeated exposures to morphine when they experienced abstinent periods. We also assessed morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in these monkeys to monitor the long-lasting effects of morphine on other behaviors. RESULTS Compared to the baseline level, monkeys' inhibition ability was significantly enhanced after initial exposure to morphine (early phase); however, it became significantly attenuated after repeated exposures (late phase). These alterations occurred while monkeys consistently expressed the morphine-induced CPP over the course of morphine exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that repeated and scheduled exposures to morphine, which is akin to its clinical and recreational use, lead to dynamic alterations in primates' cognitive control depending on the extent of exposure. Enhancement of inhibition after limited exposure might provide opportunities to intervene and prevent the progress and culmination of opioid addiction, which is characterized by disinhibited drug-seeking and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Ghasemian
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Marzieh M Vardanjani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Cognitive 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.,Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farshad A Mansouri
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain function, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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13
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Baudon A, Clauss Creusot E, Althammer F, Schaaf CP, Charlet A. Emerging role of astrocytes in oxytocin-mediated control of neural circuits and brain functions. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102328. [PMID: 35870680 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has been in the focus of scientists for decades due to its profound and pleiotropic effects on physiology, activity of neuronal circuits and behaviors, among which sociality. Until recently, it was believed that oxytocinergic action exclusively occurs through direct activation of neuronal oxytocin receptors. However, several studies demonstrated the existence and functional relevance of astroglial oxytocin receptors in various brain regions in the mouse and rat brain. Astrocytic signaling and activity is critical for many important physiological processes including metabolism, neurotransmitter clearance from the synaptic cleft and integrated brain functions. While it can be speculated that oxytocinergic action on astrocytes predominantly facilitates neuromodulation via the release of specific gliotransmitters, the precise role of astrocytic oxytocin receptors remains elusive. In this review, we discuss the latest studies on the interaction between the oxytocinergic system and astrocytes, including detailed information about intracellular cascades, and speculate about future research directions on astrocytic oxytocin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Baudon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France
| | - Etienne Clauss Creusot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France
| | | | | | - Alexandre Charlet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France.
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14
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Whole-Brain Wiring Diagram of Oxytocin System in Adult Mice. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5021-5033. [PMID: 35606144 PMCID: PMC9233446 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0307-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt) neurons regulate diverse physiological responses via direct connections with different neural circuits. However, the lack of comprehensive input-output wiring diagrams of Oxt neurons and their quantitative relationship with Oxt receptor (Oxtr) expression presents challenges to understanding circuit-specific Oxt functions. Here, we establish a whole-brain distribution and anatomic connectivity map of Oxt neurons, and their relationship with Oxtr expression using high-resolution 3D mapping methods in adult male and female mice. We use a flatmap to describe Oxt neuronal expression in four hypothalamic domains including under-characterized Oxt neurons in the tuberal nucleus (TU). Oxt neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) broadly project to nine functional circuits that control cognition, brain state, and somatic visceral response. In contrast, Oxt neurons in the supraoptic (SO) and accessory (AN) nuclei have limited central projection to a small subset of the nine circuits. Surprisingly, quantitative comparison between Oxt output and Oxtr expression showed no significant correlation across the whole brain, suggesting abundant indirect Oxt signaling in Oxtr-expressing areas. Unlike output, Oxt neurons in both the PVH and SO receive similar monosynaptic inputs from a subset of the nine circuits mainly in the thalamic, hypothalamic, and cerebral nuclei areas. Our results suggest that PVH-Oxt neurons serve as a central modulator to integrate external and internal information via largely reciprocal connection with the nine circuits while the SO-Oxt neurons act mainly as unidirectional Oxt hormonal output. In summary, our Oxt wiring diagram provides anatomic insights about distinct behavioral functions of Oxt signaling in the brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Oxytocin (Oxt) neurons regulate diverse physiological functions from prosocial behavior to pain sensation via central projection in the brain. Thus, understanding detailed anatomic connectivity of Oxt neurons can provide insight on circuit-specific roles of Oxt signaling in regulating different physiological functions. Here, we use high-resolution mapping methods to describe the 3D distribution, monosynaptic input and long-range output of Oxt neurons, and their relationship with Oxt receptor (Oxtr) expression across the entire mouse brain. We found Oxt connections with nine functional circuits controlling cognition, brain state, and somatic visceral response. Furthermore, we identified a quantitatively unmatched Oxt-Oxtr relationship, suggesting broad indirect Oxt signaling. Together, our comprehensive Oxt wiring diagram advances our understanding of circuit-specific roles of Oxt neurons.
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15
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Saad AK, Akour A, Mahboob A, AbuRuz S, Sadek B. Role of Brain Modulators in Neurodevelopment: Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Comorbidities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:612. [PMID: 35631438 PMCID: PMC9144645 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated neurodevelopmental disorders share similar pathogenesis and clinical features. Pathophysiological changes in these diseases are rooted in early neuronal stem cells in the uterus. Several genetic and environmental factors potentially perturb neurogenesis and synaptogenesis processes causing incomplete or altered maturation of the brain that precedes the symptomology later in life. In this review, the impact of several endogenous neuromodulators and pharmacological agents on the foetus during pregnancy, manifested on numerous aspects of neurodevelopment is discussed. Within this context, some possible insults that may alter these modulators and therefore alter their role in neurodevelopment are high-lighted. Sometimes, a particular insult could influence several neuromodulator systems as is supported by recent research in the field of ASD and associated disorders. Dopaminergic hy-pothesis prevailed on the table for discussion of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCH), atten-tion-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ASD for a long time. However, recent cumulative evidence suggests otherwise. Indeed, the neuromodulators that are dysregulated in ASD and comorbid disorders are as diverse as the causes and symptoms of this disease. Additionally, these neuromodulators have roles in brain development, further complicating their involvement in comorbidity. This review will survey the current understanding of the neuromodulating systems to serve the pharmacological field during pregnancy and to minimize drug-related insults in pa-tients with ASD and associated comorbidity disorders, e.g., SCH or ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali K. Saad
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 11942, Jordan
| | - Abdulla Mahboob
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Salahdein AbuRuz
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 11942, Jordan
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
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Cammarata-Scalisi F, Callea M, Martinelli D, Willoughby CE, Tadich AC, Araya Castillo M, Lacruz-Rengel MA, Medina M, Grimaldi P, Bertini E, Nevado J. Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Management. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:504. [PMID: 35328058 PMCID: PMC8955098 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a rare, heterogeneous, and complex neurodevelopmental disorder. It is generally caused by a heterozygous microdeletion of contiguous genes located in the distal portion of the long arm of chromosome 22, including the SHANK3 gene. Sequence variants of SHANK3, including frameshift, nonsense mutations, small indels and splice site mutations also result in PMS. Furthermore, haploinsufficiency in SHANK3 has been suggested as the main cause of PMS. SHANK3 is also associated with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The phenotype of PMS is variable, and lacks a distinctive phenotypic characteristic, so the clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by genetic analysis. PMS is a multi-system disorder, and clinical care must encompass various specialties and therapists. The role of risperidone, intranasal insulin, insulin growth factor 1, and oxytocin as potential therapeutic options in PMS will be discussed in this review. The diagnosis of PMS is important to provide an appropriate clinical evaluation, treatment, and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Cammarata-Scalisi
- Pediatric Service, Regional of Antofagasta Hospital, Antofagasta 1240835, Chile; (F.C.-S.); (A.C.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Michele Callea
- Pediatric Dentistry and Special Dental Care Unit, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Diego Martinelli
- Unit of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Colin Eric Willoughby
- Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK;
| | - Antonio Cárdenas Tadich
- Pediatric Service, Regional of Antofagasta Hospital, Antofagasta 1240835, Chile; (F.C.-S.); (A.C.T.); (M.M.)
| | | | | | - Marco Medina
- Pediatric Service, Regional of Antofagasta Hospital, Antofagasta 1240835, Chile; (F.C.-S.); (A.C.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Piercesare Grimaldi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Research Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Julián Nevado
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Instituto de Investigación del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdIPaz), 28046 Madrid, Spain; or
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en RED de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28046 Madrid, Spain
- ITHACA, European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability, Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
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17
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Utilizing Genomically Targeted Molecular Data to Improve Patient-Specific Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042167. [PMID: 35216282 PMCID: PMC8879068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042167] [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: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular biology combined with genomics can be a powerful tool for developing potential intervention strategies for improving outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Monogenic etiologies rarely cause autism. Instead, ASD is more frequently due to many polygenic contributing factors interacting with each other, combined with the epigenetic effects of diet, lifestyle, and environment. One limitation of genomics has been identifying ways of responding to each identified gene variant to translate the information to something clinically useful. This paper will illustrate how understanding the function of a gene and the effects of a reported variant on a molecular level can be used to develop actionable and targeted potential interventions for a gene variant or combinations of variants. For illustrative purposes, this communication highlights a specific genomic variant, SHANK3. The steps involved in developing molecularly genomically targeted actionable interventions will be demonstrated. Cases will be shared to support the efficacy of this strategy and to show how clinicians utilized these targeted interventions to improve ASD-related symptoms significantly. The presented approach demonstrates the utility of genomics as a part of clinical decision-making.
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18
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Yeo XY, Cunliffe G, Ho RC, Lee SS, Jung S. Potentials of Neuropeptides as Therapeutic Agents for Neurological Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:343. [PMID: 35203552 PMCID: PMC8961788 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent leaps in modern medicine, progress in the treatment of neurological diseases remains slow. The near impermeable blood-brain barrier (BBB) that prevents the entry of therapeutics into the brain, and the complexity of neurological processes, limits the specificity of potential therapeutics. Moreover, a lack of etiological understanding and the irreversible nature of neurological conditions have resulted in low tolerability and high failure rates towards existing small molecule-based treatments. Neuropeptides, which are small proteinaceous molecules produced by the body, either in the nervous system or the peripheral organs, modulate neurological function. Although peptide-based therapeutics originated from the treatment of metabolic diseases in the 1920s, the adoption and development of peptide drugs for neurological conditions are relatively recent. In this review, we examine the natural roles of neuropeptides in the modulation of neurological function and the development of neurological disorders. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of these proteinaceous molecules in filling gaps in current therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yi Yeo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore; (X.Y.Y.); (G.C.)
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Grace Cunliffe
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore; (X.Y.Y.); (G.C.)
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Roger C. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Su Seong Lee
- NanoBio Lab, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Sangyong Jung
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore; (X.Y.Y.); (G.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
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19
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Leithead AB, Tasker JG, Harony‐Nicolas H. The interplay between glutamatergic circuits and oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus and its relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13061. [PMID: 34786775 PMCID: PMC8951898 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) neurons of the hypothalamus are at the center of several physiological functions, including milk ejection, uterus contraction, and maternal and social behavior. In lactating females, OXT neurons show a pattern of burst firing and inter-neuron synchronization during suckling that leads to pulsatile release of surges of OXT into the bloodstream to stimulate milk ejection. This pattern of firing and population synchronization may be facilitated in part by hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits, as has been observed in vitro using brain slices obtained from male rats and neonates. However, it remains unknown how hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits influence OXT cell activity outside the context of lactation. In this review, we summarize the in vivo and in vitro studies that describe the synchronized burst firing pattern of OXT neurons and the implication of hypothalamic glutamate in this pattern of firing. We also make note of the few studies that have traced glutamatergic afferents to the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Finally, we discuss the genetic findings implicating several glutamatergic genes in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, thus underscoring the need for future studies to investigate the impact of these mutations on hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits and the OXT system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Leithead
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Jeffrey G. Tasker
- Neurobiology DivisionDepartment of Cell and Molecular BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLAUSA
| | - Hala Harony‐Nicolas
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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20
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Preckel K, Trautmann S, Kanske P. Medication-Enhanced Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Recent Findings on Oxytocin's Involvement in the Neurobiology and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2021; 3:e3645. [PMID: 36398286 PMCID: PMC9667220 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.3645] [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: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Traumatic experiences may result in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is characterized as an exaggerated fear response that cannot be extinguished over time or in safe environments. What are beneficial psychotherapeutic treatment options for PTSD patients? Can oxytocin (OXT), which is involved in the stress response, and safety learning, ameliorate PTSD symptomatology and enhance psychotherapeutic effects? Here, we will review recent studies regarding OXT's potential to enhance psychotherapeutic therapies for PTSD treatment. Method We conducted a literature review on the neurobiological underpinnings of PTSD especially focusing on OXT's involvement in the biology and memory formation of PTSD. Furthermore, we researched successful psychotherapeutic treatments for PTSD patients and discuss how OXT may facilitate observed psychotherapeutic effects. Results For a relevant proportion of PTSD patients, existing psychotherapies are not beneficial. OXT may be a promising candidate to enhance psychotherapeutic effects, because it dampens responses to stressful events and allows for a faster recovery after stress. On a neural basis, OXT modulates processes that are involved in stress, arousal and memory. OXT effectively counteracts memory impairments caused by stress and facilitates social support seeking which is a key resilience factor for PTSD and which is beneficial in psychotherapeutic settings. Conclusion OXT has many characteristics that are promising to positively influence psychotherapy for PTSD patients. It potentially reduces intrusions, but preserves memory of the event itself. Introducing OXT into psychotherapeutic settings may result in better treatment outcomes for PTSD patients. Future research should directly investigate OXT's effects on PTSD, especially in psychotherapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Preckel
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Trautmann
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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21
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Nunes AR, Gliksberg M, Varela SAM, Teles M, Wircer E, Blechman J, Petri G, Levkowitz G, Oliveira RF. Developmental Effects of Oxytocin Neurons on Social Affiliation and Processing of Social Information. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8742-8760. [PMID: 34470805 PMCID: PMC8528494 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2939-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones regulate behavior either through activational effects that facilitate the acute expression of specific behaviors or through organizational effects that shape the development of the nervous system thereby altering adult behavior. Much research has implicated the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) in acute modulation of various aspects of social behaviors across vertebrate species, and OXT signaling is associated with the developmental social deficits observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, little is known about the role of OXT in the neurodevelopment of the social brain. We show that perturbation of OXT neurons during early zebrafish development led to a loss of dopaminergic neurons, associated with visual processing and reward, and blunted the neuronal response to social stimuli in the adult brain. Ultimately, adult fish whose OXT neurons were ablated in early life, displayed altered functional connectivity within social decision-making brain nuclei both in naive state and in response to social stimulus and became less social. We propose that OXT neurons have an organizational role, namely, to shape forebrain neuroarchitecture during development and to acquire an affiliative response toward conspecifics.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Social behavior is developed over the lifetime of an organism and the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) modulates social behaviors across vertebrate species, and is associated with neuro-developmental social deficits such as autism. However, whether OXT plays a role in the developmental maturation of neural systems that are necessary for social behavior remains poorly explored. We show that proper behavioral and neural response to social stimuli depends on a developmental process orchestrated by OXT neurons. Animals whose OXT system is ablated in early life show blunted neuronal and behavioral responses to social stimuli as well as wide ranging disruptions in the functional connectivity of the social brain. We provide a window into the mechanisms underlying OXT-dependent developmental processes that implement adult sociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Nunes
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Michael Gliksberg
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Susana A M Varela
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa 1149-041, Portugal
| | - Magda Teles
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
| | - Einav Wircer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Janna Blechman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Giovanni Petri
- Institute for Scientific Interchange (ISI) Foundation and ISI Global Science Foundation, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Gil Levkowitz
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Rui F Oliveira
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa 1149-041, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal
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22
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Alymov AA, Kapitsa IG, Voronina TA. Neurochemical Mechanisms of Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Correction of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Current Concepts and Prospects. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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23
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Abstract
Oxytocin regulates parturition, lactation, parental nurturing, and many other social behaviors in both sexes. The circuit mechanisms by which oxytocin modulates social behavior are receiving increasing attention. Here, we review recent studies on oxytocin modulation of neural circuit function and social behavior, largely enabled by new methods of monitoring and manipulating oxytocin or oxytocin receptor neurons in vivo. These studies indicate that oxytocin can enhance the salience of social stimuli and increase signal-to-noise ratios by modulating spiking and synaptic plasticity in the context of circuits and networks. We highlight oxytocin effects on social behavior in nontraditional organisms such as prairie voles and discuss opportunities to enhance the utility of these organisms for studying circuit-level modulation of social behaviors. We then discuss recent insights into oxytocin neuron activity during social interactions. We conclude by discussing some of the major questions and opportunities in the field ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Froemke
- Skirball Institute, Neuroscience Institute, and Departments of Otolaryngology and Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; .,Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, and Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.,Center for Social Neural Networks, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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24
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Festante F, Rayson H, Paukner A, Kaburu SSK, Toschi G, Fox NA, Ferrari PF. Oxytocin promotes prosocial behavior and related neural responses in infant macaques at-risk for compromised social development. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2021; 48:100950. [PMID: 33831822 PMCID: PMC8042434 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2021.100950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although positive effects of oxytocin (OT) on social functioning are well-demonstrated, little is known about the mechanisms through which OT may drive early social development, or its therapeutic efficacy in infancy. To address these critical issues, we investigated the effects of exogenous OT on neural (EEG) and behavioral responses during observation of live facial gestures in infant macaques with limited social exposure (i.e. nursery-reared). Three key findings were revealed. First, OT increased alpha suppression over posterior scalp regions during observation of facial gestures but not non-biological movement, suggesting that OT targets self-other matching and attentional cortical networks involved in social perception from very early infancy. Second, OT increased infant production of matching facial gestures and attention towards the most socially-relevant facial stimuli, both behaviors typically silenced by early social deprivation. Third, infants with higher cortisol levels appeared to benefit the most from OT, displaying greater improvements in prosocial behaviors after OT administration. Altogether, these findings suggest that OT promotes prosocial behaviors and associated neural responses likely impacted by early social adversity, and demonstrate the potential of OT administration to ameliorate social difficulties in the context of neurodevelopmental and early-emerging psychiatric disorders, at a developmental stage when brain plasticity is greatest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Festante
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128, Pisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Holly Rayson
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS/Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Bron, Cedex, 69675, France
| | - Annika Paukner
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ, UK
| | - Stefano S K Kaburu
- Department of Biomedical Science & Physiology, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Giulia Toschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Pier Francesco Ferrari
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS/Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Bron, Cedex, 69675, France; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125, Parma, Italy.
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25
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Lopatina OL, Panina YA, Malinovskaya NA, Salmina AB. Early life stress and brain plasticity: from molecular alterations to aberrant memory and behavior. Rev Neurosci 2020; 32:131-142. [PMID: 33550784 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is one of the most critical factors that could modify brain plasticity, memory and learning abilities, behavioral reactions, and emotional response in adulthood leading to development of different mental disorders. Prenatal and early postnatal periods appear to be the most sensitive periods of brain development in mammals, thereby action of various factors at these stages of brain development might result in neurodegeneration, memory impairment, and mood disorders at later periods of life. Deciphering the processes underlying aberrant neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and cerebral angiogenesis as well as deeper understanding the effects of ELS on brain development will provide novel approaches to prevent or to cure psychiatric and neurological deficits caused by stressful conditions at the earliest stages of ontogenesis. Neuropeptide oxytocin serves as an amnesic, anti-stress, pro-angiogenic, and neurogenesis-controlling molecule contributing to dramatic changes in brain plasticity in ELS. In the current review, we summarize recent data on molecular mechanisms of ELS-driven changes in brain plasticity with the particular focus on oxytocin-mediated effects on neurogenesis and angiogenesis, memory establishment, and forgetting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L Lopatina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biophysics, Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yulia A Panina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Natalia A Malinovskaya
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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26
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Translational opportunities for circuit-based social neuroscience: advancing 21st century psychiatry. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 68:1-8. [PMID: 33260106 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The recent advancements of social behavioral neuroscience are unprecedented. Through manipulations targeting neural circuits, complex behaviors can be switched on and off, social bonds can be induced, and false memories can be 'incepted.' Psychiatry, however, remains tethered to concepts and techniques developed over half a century ago, including purely behavioral definitions of psychopathology and chronic, brain-wide pharmacological interventions. Drawing on recent animal and human research, we outline a circuit-level approach to the social brain and highlight studies demonstrating the translational potential of this approach. We conclude by suggesting ways both clinical practice and translational research can apply circuit-level neuroscientific knowledge to advance psychiatry, including adopting neuroscience-based nomenclature, stratifying patients into diagnostic subgroups based on neurobiological phenotypes, and pharmacologically enhancing psychotherapy.
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27
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Abstract
Based on the analysis of literature, the authors describe the neuropathophysiological mechanism of the formation of synapses, synaptic transmission and plasticity, which may underlie the pathogenesis of autism. The results of some studies confirm the involvement of aberrant expression of genes and proteins of synaptic contacts, cell adhesion molecules p120ctn, CNTN5, CNTN6, activation of NMDA glutamate, TrkB, p75 receptors, Ca2+-input, BDNF, serotonin and testosterone. This leads to an imbalance in the exciting, inhibitory synaptic transmission and forms of synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) at the level of individual neurons and their chains due to suppression of GABA synthesis, expression of its ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, G proteins, NGF, TrkA receptors, a reduction in the number of GABAergic neurons, their contacts and disruption of differentiation. The pathology of the nuclei of the thalamus, especially the reticular nucleus (RN), is associated with a disturbance of the expression of the subunits of metabotropic GABAβ receptors, Ca2+ channels, GABA excretion and the work of chlorine transmitters. These failures do not ensure the inhibitory effect of OC on the exciting associative and ventral nuclei of the thalamus, nor modify the incoming information to the cerebral cortex (CC) from these thalamus nuclei, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the nuclei of the reticular formation. Information propagating into the somatosensory and associative regions of CC is not modified by mirror neurons (MN) when performing arbitrary actions, which prevents the formation of an adequate image in the neural networks of the associative cortex and promotes the development of hyperexcitability, irritability, increased visual and auditory sensitivity, anxiety, and the ability to form a holistic image based on the actions of other people.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Chernov
- Almazov National Medical Research Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia
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28
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Antineuroinflammatory therapy: potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder by inhibiting glial activation and restoring synaptic function. CNS Spectr 2020; 25:493-501. [PMID: 31659946 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852919001603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by deficits in social interactions and perseverative and stereotypical behavior. Growing evidence points toward a critical role for synaptic dysfunction in the onset of ASD, and synaptic function is influenced by glial cells. Considering the evidence that neuroinflammation in ASD is mediated by glial cells, one hypothesis is that reactive glial cells, under inflammatory conditions, contribute to the loss of synaptic functions and trigger ASD. Ongoing pharmacological treatments for ASD, including oxytocin, vitamin D, sulforaphane, and resveratrol, are promising and are shown to lead to improvements in behavioral performance in ASD. More importantly, their pharmacological mechanisms are closely related to anti-inflammation and synaptic protection. We focus this review on the hypothesis that synaptic dysfunction caused by reactive glial cells would lead to ASD, and discuss the potentials of antineuroinflammatory therapy for ASD.
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29
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Morphofunctional Alterations of the Hypothalamus and Social Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10070435. [PMID: 32650534 PMCID: PMC7408098 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10070435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An accumulating body of evidence indicates a tight relationship between the endocrine system and abnormal social behavior. Two evolutionarily conserved hypothalamic peptides, oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin, because of their extensively documented function in supporting and regulating affiliative and socio-emotional responses, have attracted great interest for their critical implications for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A large number of controlled trials demonstrated that exogenous oxytocin or arginine-vasopressin administration can mitigate social behavior impairment in ASD. Furthermore, there exists long-standing evidence of severe socioemotional dysfunctions after hypothalamic lesions in animals and humans. However, despite the major role of the hypothalamus for the synthesis and release of oxytocin and vasopressin, and the evident hypothalamic implication in affiliative behavior in animals and humans, a rather small number of neuroimaging studies showed an association between this region and socioemotional responses in ASD. This review aims to provide a critical synthesis of evidences linking alterations of the hypothalamus with impaired social cognition and behavior in ASD by integrating results of both anatomical and functional studies in individuals with ASD as well as in healthy carriers of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genetic risk variant for ASD. Current findings, although limited, indicate that morphofunctional anomalies are implicated in the pathophysiology of ASD and call for further investigations aiming to elucidate anatomical and functional properties of hypothalamic nuclei underlying atypical socioemotional behavior in ASD.
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30
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Ferrer-Pérez C, Reguilón MD, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M. Endogenous oxytocin is essential for the buffering effects of pair housing against the increase in cocaine reward induced by social stress. Physiol Behav 2020; 221:112913. [PMID: 32298668 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Social factors have a dual influence on addictive disorders. While social defeat stress in rodents increases the response to drug reward, positive social conditions, such as pair housing, increase stress resilience. The objective of the present study was to confirm whether oxytocin (OT) mediates this social buffering. To this end, male mice were housed in pairs and administered the OT receptor antagonist atosiban prior to each stress episode or for ten days after the stress protocol. The response to cocaine was assessed using a conditioned place preference paradigm. Our results confirmed that OT activity mediates the protective effect of pair housing and highlights its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ferrer-Pérez
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina D Reguilón
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Miñarro
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
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31
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Marotta R, Risoleo MC, Messina G, Parisi L, Carotenuto M, Vetri L, Roccella M. The Neurochemistry of Autism. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E163. [PMID: 32182969 PMCID: PMC7139720 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to complex neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests, and altered sensory processing. Environmental, immunological, genetic, and epigenetic factors are implicated in the pathophysiology of autism and provoke the occurrence of neuroanatomical and neurochemical events relatively early in the development of the central nervous system. Many neurochemical pathways are involved in determining ASD; however, how these complex networks interact and cause the onset of the core symptoms of autism remains unclear. Further studies on neurochemical alterations in autism are necessary to clarify the early neurodevelopmental variations behind the enormous heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder, and therefore lead to new approaches for the treatment and prevention of autism. In this review, we aim to delineate the state-of-the-art main research findings about the neurochemical alterations in autism etiology, and focuses on gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, N-acetyl aspartate, oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin, melatonin, vitamin D, orexin, endogenous opioids, and acetylcholine. We also aim to suggest a possible related therapeutic approach that could improve the quality of ASD interventions. Over one hundred references were collected through electronic database searching in Medline and EMBASE (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), ERIC (Proquest), PubMed, and the Web of Science (ISI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Marotta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.R.)
| | - Maria C. Risoleo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.R.)
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Napoli 80138, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia 71100, Italy;
| | - Lucia Parisi
- Department of Psychology, Educational and Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo 90128, Italy; (L.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Napoli 80138, Italy;
| | - Luigi Vetri
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychology, Educational and Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo 90128, Italy; (L.P.); (M.R.)
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32
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DeMayo MM, Young LJ, Hickie IB, Song YJC, Guastella AJ. Circuits for social learning: A unified model and application to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:388-398. [PMID: 31560922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Early life social experiences shape neural pathways in infants to develop lifelong social skills. This review presents the first unified circuit-based model of social learning that can be applied to early life social development, drawing together unique human developmental milestones, sensitive learning periods, and behavioral and neural scaffolds. Circuit domains for social learning are identified governing Activation, Integration, Discrimination, Response and Reward (AIDRR) to sculpt and drive human social learning. This unified model can be used to identify social delays earlier in development. We propose social impairments observed in Autism Spectrum Disorder are underpinned by early mistimed sensitive periods in brain development and alterations in amygdala development to disrupt the AIDRR circuits. This model directs how interventions can target neural circuits for social development and be applied early in life. To illustrate, the role of oxytocin and its use as an intervention is explored. The AIDRR model shifts focus away from delivering broad treatments based only on diagnostic classifications, to specifying and targeting the relevant circuits, at the right time of development, to optimize social learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena M DeMayo
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia.
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia.
| | - Yun Ju C Song
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia.
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia.
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33
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Herrera G, Calfa G, Schiöth HB, Lasaga M, Scimonelli T. Memory consolidation impairment induced by Interleukin-1β is associated with changes in hippocampal structural plasticity. Behav Brain Res 2019; 370:111969. [PMID: 31128164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), can affect cognitive processes such as learning and memory. The aim of this study was to establish whether the effect of IL-1β on contextual fear memory is associated with changes in hippocampal structural plasticity. We also studied the effect of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a potent anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective peptide. Different groups of animals were implanted bilaterally in dorsal hippocampus (DH). After recovery they were conditioned for contextual fear memory and received the different treatments (vehicle, IL-1β, α-MSH or IL-1β + α-MSH). Memory was assessed 24 hs after conditioning and immediately after rats were perfused for dendritic spine analysis. Our results show that local hippocampal administration of IL-1β just after memory encoding induced impairment in contextual memory and a reduction in the total density of CA1 hippocampal dendritic spines, particularly the mature ones. α-MSH administration reversed the IL-1β induced changes. The results suggest that neuro-inflammation induced by IL-1β interferes with experience-dependent structural plasticity in DH whereas α-MSH has a beneficial modulatory role in preventing this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Herrera
- IFEC-CONICET, Depto. Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gastón Calfa
- IFEC-CONICET, Depto. Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas INBIOMED UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Teresa Scimonelli
- IFEC-CONICET, Depto. Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
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34
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Farley D, Piszczek Ł, Bąbel P. Why is running a marathon like giving birth? The possible role of oxytocin in the underestimation of the memory of pain induced by labor and intense exercise. Med Hypotheses 2019; 128:86-90. [PMID: 31203917 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pain can be overestimated, underestimated or reported accurately at recall. The way pain is remembered seems to depend on certain factors, including the type of pain or, in other words, its cause, the context, and the meaning it has for the person suffering from it. For instance, episodes of chronic pain, as well as pain related to surgery, are often overestimated at recall. Interestingly, research shows that pain induced by parturition or marathon running is often underestimated at recall despite the fact that both are not only physically grueling but also emotionally intense experiences. However, both processes can likewise be considered positive events, as opposed to most that involve pain. On the neurophysiological level, one of the similarities between giving birth and running a marathon is the particular involvement of the oxytocin system. Oxytocin is involved both in parturition and intense exercise, for various reasons. During labor, oxytocin mediates uterine contractions, while in the case of extensive running it might be involved in the maintenance of fluid balance. It also has well-documented analgesic properties and plays an important role in memory formation and recall. It has been suggested that oxytocin modulates the output of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) during the fear recall. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that oxytocin can impair fear learning and influence the memory of both positive and negative emotionally salient stimuli. We propose that the reason for pain to be remembered in a more favorable light is the central action of oxytocin in the central nucleus of the amygdala, first and foremost during the encoding phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Farley
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Poland.
| | | | - Przemysław Bąbel
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Poland
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