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González-Madrid E, Rangel-Ramírez MA, Opazo MC, Méndez L, Bohmwald K, Bueno SM, González PA, Kalergis AM, Riedel CA. Gestational hypothyroxinemia induces ASD-like phenotypes in behavior, proinflammatory markers, and glutamatergic protein expression in mouse offspring of both sexes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1381180. [PMID: 38752179 PMCID: PMC11094302 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1381180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has significantly risen in the past three decades, prompting researchers to explore the potential contributions of environmental factors during pregnancy to ASD development. One such factor of interest is gestational hypothyroxinemia (HTX), a frequent condition in pregnancy associated with cognitive impairments in the offspring. While retrospective human studies have linked gestational HTX to autistic traits, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of ASD-like phenotypes remain poorly understood. This study used a mouse model of gestational HTX to evaluate ASD-like phenotypes in the offspring. Methods To induce gestational HTX, pregnant mice were treated with 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI), a thyroid hormones synthesis inhibitor, in the tap-drinking water from embryonic days (E) 10 to E14. A separate group received MMI along with a daily subcutaneous injection of T4, while the control group received regular tap water during the entire pregnancy. Female and male offspring underwent assessments for repetitive, anxious, and social behaviors from postnatal day (P) 55 to P64. On P65, mice were euthanized for the evaluation of ASD-related inflammatory markers in blood, spleen, and specific brain regions. Additionally, the expression of glutamatergic proteins (NLGN3 and HOMER1) was analyzed in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Results The HTX-offspring exhibited anxious-like behavior, a subordinate state, and impaired social interactions. Subsequently, both female and male HTX-offspring displayed elevated proinflammatory cytokines in blood, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α, while only males showed reduced levels of IL-10. The spleen of HTX-offspring of both sexes showed increased Th17/Treg ratio and M1-like macrophages. In the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of male HTX-offspring, elevated levels of IL-17A and reduced IL-10 were observed, accompanied by increased expression of hippocampal NLGN3 and HOMER1. All these observations were compared to those observed in the Control-offspring. Notably, the supplementation with T4 during the MMI treatment prevents the development of the observed phenotypes. Correlation analysis revealed an association between maternal T4 levels and specific ASD-like outcomes. Discussion This study validates human observations, demonstrating for the first time that gestational HTX induces ASD-like phenotypes in the offspring, highlighting the need of monitoring thyroid function during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique González-Madrid
- Laboratorio de Endocrino-inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ma. Andreina Rangel-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Endocrino-inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María C. Opazo
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Méndez
- Laboratorio de Endocrino-inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen Bohmwald
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Susan M. Bueno
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Laboratorio de Endocrino-inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Severino L, Kim J, Nam MH, McHugh TJ. From synapses to circuits: What mouse models have taught us about how autism spectrum disorder impacts hippocampal function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105559. [PMID: 38246230 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a variety of cognitive and behavioral domains. While a genetic component of ASD has been well-established, none of the numerous syndromic genes identified in humans accounts for more than 1% of the clinical patients. Due to this large number of target genes, numerous mouse models of the disorder have been generated. However, the focus on distinct brain circuits, behavioral phenotypes and diverse experimental approaches has made it difficult to synthesize the overwhelming number of model animal studies into concrete throughlines that connect the data across levels of investigation. Here we chose to focus on one circuit, the hippocampus, and one hypothesis, a shift in excitatory/inhibitory balance, to examine, from the level of the tripartite synapse up to the level of in vivo circuit activity, the key commonalities across disparate models that can illustrate a path towards a better mechanistic understanding of ASD's impact on hippocampal circuit function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Severino
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi Saitama, Japan.
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3
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Yin Y, Zhu Y, Liu J, Fan Q, Wu X, Zhao S, Wang J, Liu Y, Li Y, Lu W. Long-term spaceflight composite stress induces depressive behaviors in model rats through disrupting hippocampus synaptic plasticity. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14438. [PMID: 37849237 PMCID: PMC10916436 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long-term spaceflight composite stress (LSCS) can cause adverse effects on human systems, including the central nervous system, which could trigger anxiety and depression. AIMS This study aimed to identify changes in hippocampus synaptic plasticity under LSCS. METHODS The present study simulated the real long-term space station environment by conducting a 42-day experiment that involved simulating microgravity, isolation, noise, circadian rhythm disruptions, and low pressure. The mood and behavior of the rats were assessed by behavior test. Transmission electron microscopy and patch-clamp were used to detect the changes in synapse morphology and electrophysiology, and finally, the expression of NMDA receptor channel proteins was detected by western blotting. RESULTS The results showed that significant weight loss, anxiety, and depressive behaviors in rats were observed after being exposed to LSCS environment for 42 days. The synaptic structure was severely damaged, manifested as an obvious decrease in postsynaptic density thickness and synaptic interface curvature (p < 0.05; p < 0.05, respectively). Meanwhile, LTP was significantly impaired (p < 0.0001), and currents in the NMDAR channel were also significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). Further analysis found that LSCS decreased the expression of two key subtype proteins on this channel. CONCLUSION These results suggested that LSCS-induced depressive behaviors by impairing synaptic plasticity in rat hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi‐Shu Yin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbinChina
- School of Medicine and HealthHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbinChina
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental NutrientsHarbinChina
| | - Yuan‐Bing Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbinChina
- School of Medicine and HealthHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbinChina
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental NutrientsHarbinChina
| | - Jun‐Lian Liu
- China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Quan‐Chun Fan
- China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xiao‐Rui Wu
- China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Zhao
- China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jia‐Ping Wang
- China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yu Liu
- China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yong‐Zhi Li
- China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Wei‐Hong Lu
- School of Medicine and HealthHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbinChina
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental NutrientsHarbinChina
- The Intelligent Equipment Research Center for the Exploitation of Characteristic Food & Medicine Resources, Chongqing Research Institute, Harbin Institute of TechnologyChongqingChina
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Al-Beltagi M. Pre-autism: What a paediatrician should know about early diagnosis of autism. World J Clin Pediatr 2023; 12:273-294. [PMID: 38178935 PMCID: PMC10762597 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i5.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism, also known as an autism spectrum disorder, is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed in the first three years of a child's life. A range of symptoms characterizes it and can be diagnosed at any age, including adolescence and adulthood. However, early diagnosis is crucial for effective management, prognosis, and care. Unfortunately, there are no established fetal, prenatal, or newborn screening programs for autism, making early detection difficult. This review aims to shed light on the early detection of autism prenatally, natally, and early in life, during a stage we call as "pre-autism" when typical symptoms are not yet apparent. Some fetal, neonatal, and infant biomarkers may predict an increased risk of autism in the coming baby. By developing a biomarker array, we can create an objective diagnostic tool to diagnose and rank the severity of autism for each patient. These biomarkers could be genetic, immunological, hormonal, metabolic, amino acids, acute phase reactants, neonatal brainstem function biophysical activity, behavioral profile, body measurements, or radiological markers. However, every biomarker has its accuracy and limitations. Several factors can make early detection of autism a real challenge. To improve early detection, we need to overcome various challenges, such as raising community awareness of early signs of autism, improving access to diagnostic tools, reducing the stigma attached to the diagnosis of autism, and addressing various culturally sensitive concepts related to the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Algahrbia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatric, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
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5
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Martella G. Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity 2.0: Dynamic Changes in Neurons Functions, Physiological and Pathological Process. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12685. [PMID: 37628862 PMCID: PMC10454448 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the success of the first Special Issue on synaptic plasticity, I endeavored to promote a new Special Issue with an emphasis on dynamic changes in neuronal functions and physiological and pathological processes [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; or
- Department of Humanistic Sciences, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Pegaso University, 80143 Naples, Italy
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6
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Nardi L, Chhabra S, Leukel P, Krueger-Burg D, Sommer CJ, Schmeisser MJ. Neuroanatomical changes of ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor densities in male mice modeling idiopathic and syndromic autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1199097. [PMID: 37547211 PMCID: PMC10401048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1199097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a wide range of neurodevelopment conditions primarily characterized by impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior, accompanied by a variable degree of neuropsychiatric characteristics. Synaptic dysfunction is undertaken as one of the key underlying mechanisms in understanding the pathophysiology of ASD. The excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) hypothesis is one of the most widely held theories for its pathogenesis. Shifts in E/I balance have been proven in several ASD models. In this study, we investigated three mouse lines recapitulating both idiopathic (the BTBR strain) and genetic (Fmr1 and Shank3 mutants) forms of ASD at late infancy and early adulthood. Using receptor autoradiography for ionotropic excitatory (AMPA and NMDA) and inhibitory (GABAA) receptors, we mapped the receptor binding densities in brain regions known to be associated with ASD such as prefrontal cortex, dorsal and ventral striatum, dorsal hippocampus, and cerebellum. The individual mouse lines investigated show specific alterations in excitatory ionotropic receptor density, which might be accounted as specific hallmark of each individual line. Across all the models investigated, we found an increased binding density to GABAA receptors at adulthood in the dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, reduction in the GABAA receptor binding density was observed in the cerebellum. Altogether, our findings suggest that E/I disbalance individually affects several brain regions in ASD mouse models and that alterations in GABAergic transmission might be accounted as unifying factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Nardi
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stuti Chhabra
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Petra Leukel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dilja Krueger-Burg
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Clemens J. Sommer
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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7
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Kang J, Lu N, Yang S, Guo B, Zhu Y, Wu S, Huang X, Wong-Riley MTT, Liu YY. Alterations in synapses and mitochondria induced by acute or chronic intermittent hypoxia in the pre-Bötzinger complex of rats: an ultrastructural triple-labeling study with immunocytochemistry and histochemistry. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1132241. [PMID: 37396926 PMCID: PMC10312010 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1132241] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC), a kernel of inspiratory rhythmogenesis, is a heterogeneous network with excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic and glycinergic neurons. Inspiratory rhythm generation relies on synchronous activation of glutamatergic neuron, whilst inhibitory neurons play a critical role in shaping the breathing pattern, endowing the rhythm with flexibility in adapting to environmental, metabolic, and behavioral needs. Here we report ultrastructural alterations in excitatory, asymmetric synapses (AS) and inhibitory, symmetric synapses (SS), especially perforated synapses with discontinuous postsynaptic densities (PSDs) in the pre-BötC in rats exposed to daily acute intermittent hypoxia (dAIH) or chronic (C) IH. Methods We utilized for the first time a combination of somatostatin (SST) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) double immunocytochemistry with cytochrome oxidase histochemistry, to reveal synaptic characteristics and mitochondrial dynamic in the pre-BötC. Results We found perforated synapses with synaptic vesicles accumulated in distinct pools in apposition to each discrete PSD segments. dAIH induced significant increases in the PSD size of macular AS, and the proportion of perforated synapses. AS were predominant in the dAIH group, whereas SS were in a high proportion in the CIH group. dAIH significantly increased SST and NK1R expressions, whereas CIH led to a decrease. Desmosome-like contacts (DLC) were characterized for the first time in the pre-BötC. They were distributed alongside of synapses, especially SS. Mitochondria appeared in more proximity to DLC than synapses, suggestive of a higher energy demand of the DLC. Findings of single spines with dual AS and SS innervation provide morphological evidence of excitation-inhibition interplay within a single spine in the pre-BötC. In particular, we characterized spine-shaft microdomains of concentrated synapses coupled with mitochondrial positioning that could serve as a structural basis for synchrony of spine-shaft communication. Mitochondria were found within spines and ultrastructural features of mitochondrial fusion and fission were depicted for the first time in the pre-BötC. Conclusion We provide ultrastructural evidence of excitation-inhibition synapses in shafts and spines, and DLC in association with synapses that coincide with mitochondrial dynamic in their contribution to respiratory plasticity in the pre-BötC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Kang
- Department of Neurobiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Naining Lu
- Department of Neurobiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shoujing Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Baolin Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaofeng Huang
- Department of Pathology, Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Margaret T. T. Wong-Riley
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ying-Ying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Dargenio VN, Dargenio C, Castellaneta S, De Giacomo A, Laguardia M, Schettini F, Francavilla R, Cristofori F. Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: Possible Implications in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071620. [PMID: 37049461 PMCID: PMC10096948 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multifactorial etiology, characterized by impairment in two main functional areas: (1) communication and social interactions, and (2) skills, interests and activities. ASD patients often suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms associated with dysbiotic states and a “leaky gut.” A key role in the pathogenesis of ASD has been attributed to the gut microbiota, as it influences central nervous system development and neuropsychological and gastrointestinal homeostasis through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. A state of dysbiosis with a reduction in the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and Bacteroidetes level and other imbalances is common in ASD. In recent decades, many authors have tried to study and identify the microbial signature of ASD through in vivo and ex vivo studies. In this regard, the advent of metabolomics has also been of great help. Based on these data, several therapeutic strategies, primarily the use of probiotics, are investigated to improve the symptoms of ASD through the modulation of the microbiota. However, although the results are promising, the heterogeneity of the studies precludes concrete evidence. The aim of this review is to explore the role of intestinal barrier dysfunction, the gut–brain axis and microbiota alterations in ASD and the possible role of probiotic supplementation in these patients.
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Tu G, Guo Y, Xiao R, Tang L, Hu M, Liao B. Effects of Exercise Training on the Phosphoproteomics of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Rats With Autism Spectrum Disorder Induced by Valproic Acid. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2023; 37:94-108. [PMID: 36860155 DOI: 10.1177/15459683231152814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The key neural pathological characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include abnormal synaptic plasticity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Exercise therapy is widely used to rehabilitate children with ASD, but its neurobiological mechanism is unclear. METHODS To clarify whether the structural and molecular plasticity of synapses in the mPFC are related to improvement in ASD behavioral deficits after continuous exercise rehabilitation training, we applied phosphoproteomic, behavioral, morphological, and molecular biological methods to investigate the impact of exercise on the phosphoprotein expression profile and synaptic structure of the mPFC in valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD rats. RESULTS Exercise training differentially regulated the density, morphology, and ultrastructure of synapses in mPFC subregions in the VPA-induced ASD rats. In total, 1031 phosphopeptides were upregulated and 782 phosphopeptides were downregulated in the mPFC in the ASD group. After exercise training, 323 phosphopeptides were upregulated, and 1098 phosphopeptides were downregulated in the ASDE group. Interestingly, 101 upregulated and 33 downregulated phosphoproteins in the ASD group were reversed after exercise training, and these phosphoproteins were mostly involved in synapses. Consistent with the phosphoproteomics data, the total and phosphorylated levels of the proteins MARK1 and MYH10 were upregulated in the ASD group and reversed after exercise training. CONCLUSIONS The differential structural plasticity of synapses in mPFC subregions may be the basic neural architecture of ASD behavioral abnormalities. The phosphoproteins involved in mPFC synapses, such as MARK1 and MYH10, may play important roles in the exercise rehabilitation effect on ASD-induced behavioral deficits and synaptic structural plasticity, which requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genghong Tu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Youli Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Corps Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Ruoshi Xiao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lianying Tang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Min Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Bagen Liao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
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10
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Galineau L, Arlicot N, Dupont AC, Briend F, Houy-Durand E, Tauber C, Gomot M, Gissot V, Barantin L, Lefevre A, Vercouillie J, Roussel C, Roux S, Nadal L, Mavel S, Laumonnier F, Belzung C, Chalon S, Emond P, Santiago-Ribeiro MJ, Bonnet-Brilhault F. Glutamatergic synapse in autism: a complex story for a complex disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:801-809. [PMID: 36434055 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01860-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose pathophysiological mechanisms are still unclear. Hypotheses suggest a role for glutamate dysfunctions in ASD development, but clinical studies investigating brain and peripheral glutamate levels showed heterogenous results leading to hypo- and hyper-glutamatergic hypotheses of ASD. Recently, studies proposed the implication of elevated mGluR5 densities in brain areas in the pathophysiology of ASD. Thus, our objective was to characterize glutamate dysfunctions in adult subjects with ASD by quantifying (1) glutamate levels in the cingulate cortex and periphery using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and metabolomics, and (2) mGluR5 brain density in this population and in a validated animal model of ASD (prenatal exposure to valproate) at developmental stages corresponding to childhood and adolescence in humans using positron emission tomography. No modifications in cingulate Glu levels were observed between individuals with ASD and controls further supporting the difficulty to evaluate modifications in excitatory transmission using spectroscopy in this population, and the complexity of its glutamate-related changes. Our imaging results showed an overall increased density in mGluR5 in adults with ASD, that was only observed mostly subcortically in adolescent male rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid, and not detected in the stage corresponding to childhood in the same animals. This suggest that clinical changes in mGluR5 density could reflect the adaptation of the glutamatergic dysfunctions occurring earlier rather than being key to the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Arlicot
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Unité de Radiopharmacie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Anne-Claire Dupont
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Unité de Radiopharmacie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.,Service de Médecine Nucléaire, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Frederic Briend
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Excellence Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Emmanuelle Houy-Durand
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Excellence Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Clovis Tauber
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Marie Gomot
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Excellence Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Antoine Lefevre
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Sylvie Roux
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Excellence Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Lydie Nadal
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Sylvie Mavel
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Sylvie Chalon
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Patrick Emond
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Maria-Joao Santiago-Ribeiro
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Service de Médecine Nucléaire, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Frédérique Bonnet-Brilhault
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France. .,Excellence Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.
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11
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Miri S, Yeo J, Abubaker S, Hammami R. Neuromicrobiology, an emerging neurometabolic facet of the gut microbiome? Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1098412. [PMID: 36733917 PMCID: PMC9886687 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1098412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of the gut microbiome is emerging as a metabolic interactome influenced by diet, xenobiotics, genetics, and other environmental factors that affect the host's absorption of nutrients, metabolism, and immune system. Beyond nutrient digestion and production, the gut microbiome also functions as personalized polypharmacy, where bioactive metabolites that our microbes excrete or conjugate may reach systemic circulation and impact all organs, including the brain. Appreciable evidence shows that gut microbiota produce diverse neuroactive metabolites, particularly neurotransmitters (and their precursors), stimulating the local nervous system (i.e., enteric and vagus nerves) and affecting brain function and cognition. Several studies have demonstrated correlations between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system sparking an exciting new research field, neuromicrobiology. Microbiome-targeted interventions are seen as promising adjunctive treatments (pre-, pro-, post-, and synbiotics), but the mechanisms underlying host-microbiome interactions have yet to be established, thus preventing informed evidence-based therapeutic applications. In this paper, we review the current state of knowledge for each of the major classes of microbial neuroactive metabolites, emphasizing their biological effects on the microbiome, gut environment, and brain. Also, we discuss the biosynthesis, absorption, and transport of gut microbiota-derived neuroactive metabolites to the brain and their implication in mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Miri
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - JuDong Yeo
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Abubaker
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Riadh Hammami
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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12
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Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
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13
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Physical Activity, Gut Microbiota, and Genetic Background for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121834. [PMID: 36553278 PMCID: PMC9777368 DOI: 10.3390/children9121834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that one in 100 children worldwide has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD frequently suffer from gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal issues, findings which possibly play a role in the pathogenesis and/or severity of their condition. Physical activity may have a positive effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of healthy adults. However, the effect of exercise both on the gastrointestinal problems and intestinal microbiota (and thus possibly on ASD) itself in affected children is unknown. In terms of understanding the physiopathology and manifestations of ASD, analysis of the gut-brain axis holds some promise. Here, we discuss the physiopathology of ASD in terms of genetics and microbiota composition, and how physical activity may be a promising non-pharmaceutical approach to improve ASD-related symptoms.
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14
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Maisterrena A, Matas E, Mirfendereski H, Balbous A, Marchand S, Jaber M. The State of the Dopaminergic and Glutamatergic Systems in the Valproic Acid Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1691. [PMID: 36421705 PMCID: PMC9688008 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder mainly characterized by deficits in social communication and stereotyped behaviors and interests. Here, we aimed to investigate the state of several key players in the dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission systems in the valproic acid (VPA) animal model that was administered to E12.5 pregnant females as a single dose (450 mg/kg). We report no alterations in the number of mesencephalic dopamine neurons or in protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase in either the striatum or the nucleus accumbens. In females prenatally exposed to VPA, levels of dopamine were slightly decreased while the ratio of DOPAC/dopamine was increased in the dorsal striatum, suggesting increased turn-over of dopamine tone. In turn, levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptor mRNAs were increased in the nucleus accumbens of VPA mice suggesting upregulation of the corresponding receptors. We also report decreased protein levels of striatal parvalbumin and increased levels of p-mTOR in the cerebellum and the motor cortex of VPA mice. mRNA levels of mGluR1, mGluR4, and mGluR5 and the glutamate receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, and NR2B were not altered by VPA, nor were protein levels of NR1, NR2A, and NR2B and those of BDNF and TrkB. These findings are of interest as clinical trials aiming at the dopamine and glutamate systems are being considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Maisterrena
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Emmanuel Matas
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Helene Mirfendereski
- Pharmacologie des Agents Anti-Infectieux et Antibiorésistance, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
- CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Anais Balbous
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
- CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Sandrine Marchand
- Pharmacologie des Agents Anti-Infectieux et Antibiorésistance, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
- CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
- CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
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15
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Mallien AS, Pfeiffer N, Brandwein C, Inta D, Sprengel R, Palme R, Talbot SR, Gass P. Comparative Severity Assessment of Genetic, Stress-Based, and Pharmacological Mouse Models of Depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:908366. [PMID: 35783227 PMCID: PMC9245036 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.908366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animals in neurosciences is pivotal to gaining insights into complex functions and dysfunctions of behavior. For example, various forms of physical and/or psychological stress are inherent to various animal models for psychiatric disorders, e.g., depression. Regarding animal welfare, it would be mandatory to use models that inflict the least amount of stress necessary to address the underlying scientific question. This study compared the severity of different approaches to induce depression in mice: mutagenesis in GluA1 knockout, immobilization stress, and stress-induction via stress hormone treatment. While genetic alterations potentially represent a lifelong burden, the temporary intervention only affects the animals for a limited time. Therefore, we used home cage-based behavioral and physiological parameters, including nest building, burrowing, body weight, and fecal corticosterone metabolites, to determine the well-being of male and female mice. In addition, we performed an evidence-based estimate of severity using a composite score for relative severity assessment (RELSA) with this data. We found that even though restraint stress and supplementation of corticosterone in the diet both aimed at depression-related precipitating stress effects, the latter affected the well-being much stronger, especially in females. Restraint leads to less noticeable well-being impairments but causes depression-associated anhedonic behavior. Mice of both sexes recovered well from the stress treatment. GluA1 KO and their littermates showed diminished well-being, comparable to the immobilization experiments. However, since this is a lifelong condition, this burden is not reversible and potentially accumulative. In line with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), the process of choosing the most suitable model should ideally include an evidence-based severity assessment to be able to opt for the least severe alternative, which still induces the desired effect. Promoting refinement, in our study, this would be the restraint stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Stephanie Mallien
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anne Stephanie Mallien,
| | - Natascha Pfeiffer
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Brandwein
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dragos Inta
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department for Community Health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPIMF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven R. Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Sanborn V, Aljumaah M, Azcarate-Peril MA, Gunstad J. Examining the cognitive benefits of probiotic supplementation in physically active older adults: A randomized clinical trial. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2022; 47:871-882. [PMID: 35617704 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of dementia is projected to increase with the growing older adult population and prevention strategies are urgently needed. Two promising interventions include physical activity (PA) and probiotic supplementation, with initial findings suggesting their combined use may confer greater cognitive benefits than either intervention alone. However, no study has yet examined the effects of probiotic supplementation on cognitive function in healthy, physically active older adults. The present study used archival data from a randomized clinical trial including 127 physically active, middle-aged to older adults (avg age 64.3 years) with self-reported PA levels meeting or exceeding recommendations to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG; L.GG) on cognitive outcomes. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed no significant changes in cognitive performance from baseline to follow up as an effect of L.GG consumption. These results suggest that probiotic supplementation may not improve cognitive function in persons already engaged in high levels of PA. Future research should include prospective studies to determine whether long-term use of probiotic supplementation may help prevent cognitive decline. Novelty: • Initial research shows promising cognitive benefits of combined physical activity and probiotics consumption. • L.GG did not lead to acute cognitive improvements for older adults already meeting physical activity guidelines. • Prospective studies examining prevention of cognitive decline with probiotics in healthy and clinical samples are much needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sanborn
- Kent State University, 4229, Psychological Sciences, 600 Hilltop Drive, Kent, Ohio, United States, 44242;
| | - Mashael Aljumaah
- University of North Carolina System, 2332, Department of Medicine, and UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States.,North Carolina State University at Raleigh, 6798, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States;
| | - M Andrea Azcarate-Peril
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 6797, Department of Medicine, and UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States;
| | - John Gunstad
- Kent State University College of Arts and Sciences, 142731, Psychological Sciences; Brain Health Research Institute, Kent, Ohio, United States;
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17
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Maier S, Düppers AL, Runge K, Dacko M, Lange T, Fangmeier T, Riedel A, Ebert D, Endres D, Domschke K, Perlov E, Nickel K, Tebartz van Elst L. Increased prefrontal GABA concentrations in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2022; 15:1222-1236. [PMID: 35587691 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The excitatory-inhibitory imbalance hypothesis postulates dysregulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) neurotransmitter systems as a common underlying deficit in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies suggest an important role of these systems in the pathophysiology of ASD, including a study of our group reporting decreased glutamate concentrations in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of adults with ASD. The aim of this study was to replicate our previous findings of impaired glutamate metabolism in ASD in a new sample and to additionally quantify GABA in the ACC and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Concentrations of GABA and glutamate-glutamine (Glx; combined glutamate and glutamine signal) were quantified in the ACC and dlPFC of 43 adults with ASD and 43 neurotypical controls (NTC) by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The ASD group showed increased absolute GABA concentrations and elevated GABA/creatine ratios in the left dlPFC compared to NTC, while no group differences were detected in the pregenual and dorsal ACC. Previous findings of altered Glx concentration in the pregenual ACC of the ASD group could not be replicated. Regarding Glx concentrations and Glx/creatine ratios, there were no significant differences in the dlPFC and ACC either. The study supports the hypothesis of an altered GABA and glutamate equilibrium, indicating an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory metabolism in ASD patients. However, inconsistent results across studies and brain regions suggest a complex underlying phenomenon. LAY SUMMARY: Adults of the autism spectrum exhibit elevated levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory equilibrium in patients with autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Maier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Kimon Runge
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Dacko
- Department of Radiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lange
- Department of Radiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Fangmeier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Riedel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Luzerner Psychiatrie, Ambulante Dienste, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Ebert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Evgeniy Perlov
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Clinic for Psychiatry Luzern, Hospital St. Urban, St. Urban, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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18
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Gyllenhammer LE, Rasmussen JM, Bertele N, Halbing A, Entringer S, Wadhwa PD, Buss C. Maternal Inflammation During Pregnancy and Offspring Brain Development: The Role of Mitochondria. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2022; 7:498-509. [PMID: 34800727 PMCID: PMC9086015 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The association between maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy and risk for offspring neuropsychiatric disorders has been increasingly recognized over the past several years. Among the mechanistic pathways that have been described through which maternal inflammation during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development, the role of mitochondria has received little attention. In this review, the role of mitochondria as a potential mediator of the association between MIA during pregnancy and offspring brain development and risk for psychiatric disorders will be proposed. As a basis for this postulation, convergent evidence is presented supporting the obligatory role of mitochondria in brain development, the role of mitochondria as mediators and initiators of inflammatory processes, and evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in preclinical MIA exposure models and human neurodevelopmental disorders. Elucidating the role of mitochondria as a potential mediator of MIA-induced alterations in brain development and neurodevelopmental disease risk may not only provide new insight into the pathophysiology of mental health disorders that have their origins in exposure to infection/immune activation during pregnancy but also offer new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Gyllenhammer
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California
| | - Jerod M Rasmussen
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California
| | - Nina Bertele
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amy Halbing
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pathik D Wadhwa
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California
| | - Claudia Buss
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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19
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Montanari M, Martella G, Bonsi P, Meringolo M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073861. [PMID: 35409220 PMCID: PMC8998955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
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20
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Brašić JR, Goodman JA, Nandi A, Russell DS, Jennings D, Barret O, Martin SD, Slifer K, Sedlak T, Mathur AK, Seibyl JP, Berry-Kravis EM, Wong DF, Budimirovic DB. Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein and Cerebral Expression of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 5 in Men with Fragile X Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:314. [PMID: 35326270 PMCID: PMC8946825 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that a deficiency of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) mediates dysfunction of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) in the pathogenesis of fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most commonly known single-gene cause of inherited intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, animal and human studies regarding the link between FMRP and mGluR5 expression provide inconsistent or conflicting findings about the nature of those relationships. Since multiple clinical trials of glutamatergic agents in humans with FXS did not demonstrate the amelioration of the behavioral phenotype observed in animal models of FXS, we sought measure if mGluR5 expression is increased in men with FXS to form the basis for improved clinical trials. Unexpectedly marked reductions in mGluR5 expression were observed in cortical and subcortical regions in men with FXS. Reduced mGluR5 expression throughout the living brains of men with FXS provides a clue to examine FMRP and mGluR5 expression in FXS. In order to develop the findings of our previous study and to strengthen the objective tools for future clinical trials of glutamatergic agents in FXS, we sought to assess the possible value of measuring both FMRP levels and mGluR5 expression in men with FXS. We aimed to show the value of measurement of FMRP levels and mGluR5 expression for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with FXS and related conditions. We administered 3-[18F]fluoro-5-(2-pyridinylethynyl)benzonitrile ([18F]FPEB), a specific mGluR5 radioligand for quantitative measurements of the density and the distribution of mGluR5s, to six men with the full mutation (FM) of FXS and to one man with allele size mosaicism for FXS (FXS-M). Utilizing the seven cortical and subcortical regions affected in neurodegenerative disorders as indicator variables, adjusted linear regression of mGluR5 expression and FMRP showed that mGluR5 expression was significantly reduced in the occipital cortex and the thalamus relative to baseline (anterior cingulate cortex) if FMRP levels are held constant (F(7,47) = 6.84, p < 0.001).These findings indicate the usefulness of cerebral mGluR5 expression measured by PET with [18F]FPEB and FMRP values in men with FXS and related conditions for assessments in community facilities within a hundred-mile radius of a production center with a cyclotron. These initial results of this pilot study advance our previous study regarding the measurement of mGluR5 expression by combining both FMRP levels and mGluR5 expression as tools for meaningful clinical trials of glutamatergic agents for men with FXS. We confirm the feasibility of this protocol as a valuable tool to measure FMRP levels and mGluR5 expression in clinical trials of individuals with FXS and related conditions and to provide the foundations to apply precision medicine to tailor treatment plans to the specific needs of individuals with FXS and related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Robert Brašić
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
| | - Jack Alexander Goodman
- Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT 06473, USA;
| | - Ayon Nandi
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
| | - David S. Russell
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Danna Jennings
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Denali Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Olivier Barret
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Université Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Samuel D. Martin
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Keith Slifer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Sedlak
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-General Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anil Kumar Mathur
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
| | - John P. Seibyl
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Dean F. Wong
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
- Laboratory of Central Nervous System (CNS) Neuropsychopharmacology and Multimodal, Imaging (CNAMI), Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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21
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McGrath T, Baskerville R, Rogero M, Castell L. Emerging Evidence for the Widespread Role of Glutamatergic Dysfunction in Neuropsychiatric Diseases. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14050917. [PMID: 35267893 PMCID: PMC8912368 DOI: 10.3390/nu14050917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The monoamine model of depression has long formed the basis of drug development but fails to explain treatment resistance or associations with stress or inflammation. Recent animal research, clinical trials of ketamine (a glutamate receptor antagonist), neuroimaging research, and microbiome studies provide increasing evidence of glutamatergic dysfunction in depression and other disorders. Glutamatergic involvement across diverse neuropathologies including psychoses, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative conditions, and brain injury forms the rationale for this review. Glutamate is the brain's principal excitatory neurotransmitter (NT), a metabolic and synthesis substrate, and an immune mediator. These overlapping roles and multiple glutamate NT receptor types complicate research into glutamate neurotransmission. The glutamate microcircuit comprises excitatory glutamatergic neurons, astrocytes controlling synaptic space levels, through glutamate reuptake, and inhibitory GABA interneurons. Astroglia generate and respond to inflammatory mediators. Glutamatergic microcircuits also act at the brain/body interface via the microbiome, kynurenine pathway, and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Disruption of excitatory/inhibitory homeostasis causing neuro-excitotoxicity, with neuronal impairment, causes depression and cognition symptoms via limbic and prefrontal regions, respectively. Persistent dysfunction reduces neuronal plasticity and growth causing neuronal death and tissue atrophy in neurodegenerative diseases. A conceptual overview of brain glutamatergic activity and peripheral interfacing is presented, including the common mechanisms that diverse diseases share when glutamate homeostasis is disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas McGrath
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6HG, UK; (T.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Richard Baskerville
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Marcelo Rogero
- School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-904, Brazil;
| | - Linda Castell
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6HG, UK; (T.M.); (L.C.)
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22
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Ginsberg SD, Joshi S, Sharma S, Guzman G, Wang T, Arancio O, Chiosis G. The penalty of stress - Epichaperomes negatively reshaping the brain in neurodegenerative disorders. J Neurochem 2021; 159:958-979. [PMID: 34657288 PMCID: PMC8688321 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation to acute and chronic stress and/or persistent stressors is a subject of wide interest in central nervous system disorders. In this context, stress is an effector of change in organismal homeostasis and the response is generated when the brain perceives a potential threat. Herein, we discuss a nuanced and granular view whereby a wide variety of genotoxic and environmental stressors, including aging, genetic risk factors, environmental exposures, and age- and lifestyle-related changes, act as direct insults to cellular, as opposed to organismal, homeostasis. These two concepts of how stressors impact the central nervous system are not mutually exclusive. We discuss how maladaptive stressor-induced changes in protein connectivity through epichaperomes, disease-associated pathologic scaffolds composed of tightly bound chaperones, co-chaperones, and other factors, impact intracellular protein functionality altering phenotypes, that in turn disrupt and remodel brain networks ranging from intercellular to brain connectome levels. We provide an evidence-based view on how these maladaptive changes ranging from stressor to phenotype provide unique precision medicine opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic development, especially in the context of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease where treatment options are currently limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, New York, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology, the NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Suhasini Joshi
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Sahil Sharma
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Gianny Guzman
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Tai Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Gabriela Chiosis
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
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23
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Nadeem MS, Hosawi S, Alshehri S, Ghoneim MM, Imam SS, Murtaza BN, Kazmi I. Symptomatic, Genetic, and Mechanistic Overlaps between Autism and Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1635. [PMID: 34827633 PMCID: PMC8615882 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders affecting two opposite ends of life span, i.e., childhood and old age. Both disorders pose a cumulative threat to human health, with the rate of incidences increasing considerably worldwide. In the context of recent developments, we aimed to review correlated symptoms and genetics, and overlapping aspects in the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ASD and AD. Dementia, insomnia, and weak neuromuscular interaction, as well as communicative and cognitive impairments, are shared symptoms. A number of genes and proteins linked with both disorders have been tabulated, including MECP2, ADNP, SCN2A, NLGN, SHANK, PTEN, RELN, and FMR1. Theories about the role of neuron development, processing, connectivity, and levels of neurotransmitters in both disorders have been discussed. Based on the recent literature, the roles of FMRP (Fragile X mental retardation protein), hnRNPC (heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein-C), IRP (Iron regulatory proteins), miRNAs (MicroRNAs), and α-, β0, and γ-secretases in the posttranscriptional regulation of cellular synthesis and processing of APP (amyloid-β precursor protein) have been elaborated to describe the parallel and overlapping routes and mechanisms of ASD and AD pathogenesis. However, the interactive role of genetic and environmental factors, oxidative and metal ion stress, mutations in the associated genes, and alterations in the related cellular pathways in the development of ASD and AD needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid Nadeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Salman Hosawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (S.S.I.)
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Syed Sarim Imam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (S.S.I.)
| | - Bibi Nazia Murtaza
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad 22310, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
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24
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Sapey-Triomphe LA, Temmerman J, Puts NAJ, Wagemans J. Prediction learning in adults with autism and its molecular correlates. Mol Autism 2021; 12:64. [PMID: 34615532 PMCID: PMC8493731 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00470-6] [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: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background According to Bayesian hypotheses, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties making accurate predictions about their environment. In particular, the mechanisms by which they assign precision to predictions or sensory inputs would be suboptimal in ASD. These mechanisms are thought to be mostly mediated by glutamate and GABA. Here, we aimed to shed light on prediction learning in ASD and on its neurobiological correlates. Methods Twenty-six neurotypical and 26 autistic adults participated in an associative learning task where they had to learn a probabilistic association between a tone and the rotation direction of two dots, in a volatile context. They also took part in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements to quantify Glx (glutamate and glutamine), GABA + and glutathione in a low-level perceptual region (occipital cortex) and in a higher-level region involved in prediction learning (inferior frontal gyrus). Results Neurotypical and autistic adults had their percepts biased by their expectations, and this bias was smaller for individuals with a more atypical sensory sensitivity. Both groups were able to learn the association and to update their beliefs after a change in contingency. Interestingly, the percentage of correct predictions was correlated with the Glx/GABA + ratio in the occipital cortex (positive correlation) and in the right inferior frontal gyrus (negative correlation). In this region, MRS results also showed an increased concentration of Glx in the ASD group compared to the neurotypical group. Limitations We used a quite restrictive approach to select the MR spectra showing a good fit, which led to the exclusion of some MRS datasets and therefore to the reduction of the sample size for certain metabolites/regions. Conclusions Autistic adults appeared to have intact abilities to make predictions in this task, in contrast with the Bayesian hypotheses of ASD. Yet, higher ratios of Glx/GABA + in a frontal region were associated with decreased predictive abilities, and ASD individuals tended to have more Glx in this region. This neurobiological difference might contribute to suboptimal predictive mechanisms in ASD in certain contexts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00470-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Sapey-Triomphe
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joke Temmerman
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Johan Wagemans
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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25
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Chen Y, Xu J, Chen Y. Regulation of Neurotransmitters by the Gut Microbiota and Effects on Cognition in Neurological Disorders. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062099. [PMID: 34205336 PMCID: PMC8234057 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that gut microbiota is important in the regulation of brain activity and cognitive functions. Microbes mediate communication among the metabolic, peripheral immune, and central nervous systems via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. However, it is not well understood how the gut microbiome and neurons in the brain mutually interact or how these interactions affect normal brain functioning and cognition. We summarize the mechanisms whereby the gut microbiota regulate the production, transportation, and functioning of neurotransmitters. We also discuss how microbiome dysbiosis affects cognitive function, especially in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen–Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.C.); (J.X.)
| | - Jinying Xu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen–Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.C.); (J.X.)
- Shenzhen College of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen–Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.C.); (J.X.)
- Shenzhen College of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen–Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-755-26925498
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26
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Albores-Garcia D, McGlothan JL, Guilarte TR. Early-life lead exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 26:22-27. [PMID: 34013137 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb2+) exposure is a global public health problem of major proportion with an alarming number of children with blood Pb2+ levels > 10 >g/dL, twice the current CDC reference level for Pb2+ exposure. Mounting evidence from population-based studies suggests an association between chronic early life Pb2+ exposure (CELLE) and psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia (SZ). Preclinical studies suggest a common mechanism in the pathophysiology of CELLE and SZ, NMDA receptor hypofunction. Here we describe human and experimental animal studies providing the evidence for such an association. Further, recent preclinical studies indicate that Pb2+-induced changes in neurotransmitter receptors that mediate the action(s) of drugs of abuse are increased in brain regions associated with addiction circuits in adolescence, a period of increased susceptibility to drug use and abuse and expression of psychiatric disease in humans. In summary, the relationship between the global burden of childhood Pb2+ exposure and the latent onset of psychiatric disorders and predisposition to drug use requires further investigations in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Albores-Garcia
- Brain, Behavior & the Environment Program Department of Environmental Health Sciences Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work Florida International University Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - J L McGlothan
- Brain, Behavior & the Environment Program Department of Environmental Health Sciences Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work Florida International University Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - T R Guilarte
- Brain, Behavior & the Environment Program Department of Environmental Health Sciences Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work Florida International University Miami, FL 33199, United States
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27
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Brašić JR, Nandi A, Russell DS, Jennings D, Barret O, Martin SD, Slifer K, Sedlak T, Seibyl JP, Wong DF, Budimirovic DB. Cerebral Expression of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 5 in Idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2863. [PMID: 33799851 PMCID: PMC7999711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that dysfunction of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) plays a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet animal and human investigations of mGluR5 expression provide conflicting findings about the nature of dysregulation of cerebral mGluR5 pathways in subtypes of ASD. The demonstration of reduced mGluR5 expression throughout the living brains of men with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common known single-gene cause of ASD, provides a clue to examine mGluR5 expression in ASD. We aimed to (A) compare and contrast mGluR5 expression in idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (IASD), FXS, and typical development (TD) and (B) show the value of positron emission tomography (PET) for the application of precision medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with IASD, FXS, and related conditions. Two teams of investigators independently administered 3-[18F]fluoro-5-(2-pyridinylethynyl)benzonitrile ([18F]FPEB), a novel, specific mGluR5 PET ligand to quantitatively measure the density and the distribution of mGluR5s in the brain regions, to participants of both sexes with IASD and TD and men with FXS. In contrast to participants with TD, mGluR5 expression was significantly increased in the cortical regions of participants with IASD and significantly reduced in all regions of men with FXS. These results suggest the feasibility of this protocol as a valuable tool to measure mGluR5 expression in clinical trials of individuals with IASD and FXS and related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Robert Brašić
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
| | - Ayon Nandi
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
| | - David S. Russell
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Research Clinic, Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Danna Jennings
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Research Clinic, Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Denali Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Olivier Barret
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Research Clinic, Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Université Paris-Saclay, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses CEDEX, France
| | - Samuel D. Martin
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Keith Slifer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Sedlak
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-General Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - John P. Seibyl
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Research Clinic, Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Dean F. Wong
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
- Laboratory of Central Nervous System (CNS) Neuropsychopharmacology and Multimodal Imaging (CNAMI), Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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