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Westmark PR, Lyon G, Gutierrez A, Boeck B, Van Hammond O, Ripp N, Pagan-Torres NA, Brower J, Held PK, Scarlett C, Westmark CJ. Effects of Soy Protein Isolate on Fragile X Phenotypes in Mice. Nutrients 2024; 16:284. [PMID: 38257177 PMCID: PMC10819477 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020284] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a pediatric epidemic that is more prevalent in children with developmental disabilities. We hypothesize that soy protein-based diets increase weight gain and alter neurobehavioral outcomes. Our objective herein was to test matched casein- and soy protein-based purified ingredient diets in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, Fmr1KO mice. The experimental methods included assessment of growth; 24-7 activity levels; motor coordination; learning and memory; blood-based amino acid, phytoestrogen and glucose levels; and organ weights. The primary outcome measure was body weight. We find increased body weight in male Fmr1KO from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P224, male wild type (WT) from P32-P39, female Fmr1KO from P6-P18 and P168-P224, and female Fmr1HET from P9-P18 as a function of soy. Activity at the beginning of the light and dark cycles increased in female Fmr1HET and Fmr1KO mice fed soy. We did not find significant differences in rotarod or passive avoidance behavior as a function of genotype or diet. Several blood-based amino acids and phytoestrogens were significantly altered in response to soy. Liver weight was increased in WT and adipose tissue in Fmr1KO mice fed soy. Activity levels at the beginning of the light cycle and testes weight were greater in Fmr1KO versus WT males irrespective of diet. DEXA analysis at 8-months-old indicated increased fat mass and total body area in Fmr1KO females and lean mass and bone mineral density in Fmr1KO males fed soy. Overall, dietary consumption of soy protein isolate by C57BL/6J mice caused increased growth, which could be attributed to increased lean mass in males and fat mass in females. There were sex-specific differences with more pronounced effects in Fmr1KO versus WT and in males versus females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela R. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Greg Lyon
- Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (G.L.); (O.V.H.)
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Master’s Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Brynne Boeck
- Neurology Undergraduate Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.B.); (N.R.)
| | - Olivia Van Hammond
- Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (G.L.); (O.V.H.)
| | - Nathan Ripp
- Neurology Undergraduate Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.B.); (N.R.)
| | - Nicole Arianne Pagan-Torres
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Summer Research Opportunities Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - James Brower
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.B.); (P.K.H.)
| | - Patrice K. Held
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.B.); (P.K.H.)
| | - Cameron Scarlett
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Ma M, Yu Q, Delafield DG, Cui Y, Li Z, Li M, Wu W, Shi X, Westmark PR, Gutierrez A, Ma G, Gao A, Xu M, Xu W, Westmark CJ, Li L. On-Tissue Spatial Proteomics Integrating MALDI-MS Imaging with Shotgun Proteomics Reveals Soy Consumption-Induced Protein Changes in a Fragile X Syndrome Mouse Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:119-133. [PMID: 38109073 PMCID: PMC11127747 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism, is caused by the transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene, which encodes the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). FMRP interacts with numerous brain mRNAs that are involved in synaptic plasticity and implicated in autism spectrum disorders. Our published studies indicate that single-source, soy-based diets are associated with increased seizures and autism. Thus, there is an acute need for an unbiased protein marker identification in FXS in response to soy consumption. Herein, we present a spatial proteomics approach integrating mass spectrometry imaging with label-free proteomics in the FXS mouse model to map the spatial distribution and quantify levels of proteins in the hippocampus and hypothalamus brain regions. In total, 1250 unique peptides were spatially resolved, demonstrating the diverse array of peptidomes present in the tissue slices and the broad coverage of the strategy. A group of proteins that are known to be involved in glycolysis, synaptic transmission, and coexpression network analysis suggest a significant association between soy proteins and metabolic and synaptic processes in the Fmr1KO brain. Ultimately, this spatial proteomics work represents a crucial step toward identifying potential candidate protein markers and novel therapeutic targets for FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ma
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Qinying Yu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Daniel G. Delafield
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Yusi Cui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Zihui Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Miyang Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Wenxin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Xudong Shi
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Pamela R. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Gui Ma
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Ang Gao
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Wei Xu
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
| | - Lingjun Li
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Khaledi F, Dehkordi HT, Zarean E, Shahrani M, Amini-Khoei H. Possible role of NO/NMDA pathway in the autistic-like behaviors induced by maternal separation stress in mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292631. [PMID: 37815997 PMCID: PMC10564128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Maternal separation (MS) stress is an established model of early-life stress associated with autistic-like behaviors. Altered glutamatergic and nitrergic neurotransmissions may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these alterations and their relationship to MS-induced autistic-like behaviors remain unclear. Addressing this knowledge gap, this study aims to elucidate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO)/ N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) pathway in MS-induced autistic-like behaviors in mice. This knowledge has the potential to guide future research, potentially leading to the development of targeted interventions or treatments aimed at modulating the NO/NMDA pathway to ameliorate ASD symptoms. Ninety male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were assigned to six groups (n = 15) comprising a control group (treated with saline) and five groups subjected to MS and treated with saline, ketamine, NMDA, L-NAME, and L-arginine. Behavioral tests were conducted, including the three-chamber test, shuttle box, elevated plus-maze, and marble burying test. Gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, and NMDA-R subunits (NR2A and NR2B), along with nitrite levels, was evaluated in the hippocampus. The findings demonstrated that MS induced autistic-like behaviors, accompanied by increased gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, NR2B, NR2A, and elevated nitrite levels in the hippocampus. Modulation of the NO/NMDA pathway with activators and inhibitors altered the effects of MS. These results suggest that the NO/NMDA pathway plays a role in mediating the negative effects of MS and potentially contributes to the development of autistic-like behaviors in maternally separated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khaledi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Tahmasebi Dehkordi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Elham Zarean
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Shahrani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Westmark CJ. Toward an understanding of the role of the exposome on fragile X phenotypes. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:141-170. [PMID: 37993176 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading known monogenetic cause of autism with an estimated 21-50% of FXS individuals meeting autism diagnostic criteria. A critical gap in medical care for persons with autism is an understanding of how environmental exposures and gene-environment interactions affect disease outcomes. Our research indicates more severe neurological and metabolic outcomes (seizures, autism, increased body weight) in mouse and human models of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as a function of diet. Thus, early-life exposure to chemicals in the diet could cause or exacerbate disease outcomes. Herein, we review the effects of potential dietary toxins, i.e., soy phytoestrogens, glyphosate, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in FXS and other autism models. The rationale is that potentially toxic chemicals in the diet, particularly infant formula, could contribute to the development and/or severity of ASD and that further study in this area has potential to improve ASD outcomes through dietary modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Medical Sciences Center, Room 3619, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, United States; Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Medical Sciences Center, Room 3619, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, United States.
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Alam S, Westmark CJ, McCullagh EA. Diet in treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1031016. [PMID: 37492195 PMCID: PMC10364988 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1031016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Altering the diet to treat disease dates to c. 400 BC when starvation was used to reduce seizures in persons with epilepsy. The current diversity of symptomology and mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and a corresponding lack of disorder-specific effective treatments prompts an evaluation of diet as a therapeutic approach to improve symptoms of ASDs. In this review article, we summarize the main findings of nutritional studies in ASDs, with an emphasis on the most common monogenic cause of autism, Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), and the most studied dietary intervention, the ketogenic diet as well as other dietary interventions. We also discuss the gut microbiota in relation to pre- and probiotic therapies and provide insight into future directions that could aid in understanding the mechanism(s) underlying dietary efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabiha Alam
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. McCullagh
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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Westmark CJ, Brower J, Held PK. Improving Reproducibility to Enhance Scientific Rigor through Consideration of Mouse Diet. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243448. [PMID: 36552368 PMCID: PMC9774320 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal husbandry conditions, including rodent diet, constitute an example highlighting the importance of reporting experimental variables to enhance scientific rigor. In the present study, we examine the effects of three common rodent diets including two chows (Purina 5015 and Teklad 2019) and one purified ingredient diet (AIN-76A) on growth anthropometrics (body weight), behavior (nest building, actigraphy, passive avoidance) and blood biomarkers (ketones, glucose, amino acid profiles) in male and female C57BL/6J mice. We find increased body weight in response to the chows compared to purified ingredient diet albeit selectively in male mice. We did not find significantly altered behavior in female or male wild type C57BL/6J mice. However, amino acid profiles changed as an effect of sex and diet. These data contribute to a growing body of knowledge indicating that rodent diet impacts experimental outcomes and needs to be considered in study design and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-608-262-9730
| | - James Brower
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Patrice K. Held
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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