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Yoon JH, Lee H, Kwon D, Lee D, Lee S, Cho E, Kim J, Kim D. Integrative approach of omics and imaging data to discover new insights for understanding brain diseases. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae265. [PMID: 39165479 PMCID: PMC11334939 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatments that can completely resolve brain diseases have yet to be discovered. Omics is a novel technology that allows researchers to understand the molecular pathways underlying brain diseases. Multiple omics, including genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, and brain imaging technologies, such as MRI, PET and EEG, have contributed to brain disease-related therapeutic target detection. However, new treatment discovery remains challenging. We focused on establishing brain multi-molecular maps using an integrative approach of omics and imaging to provide insights into brain disease diagnosis and treatment. This approach requires precise data collection using omics and imaging technologies, data processing and normalization. Incorporating a brain molecular map with the advanced technologies through artificial intelligence will help establish a system for brain disease diagnosis and treatment through regulation at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyuk Yoon
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Hagyeong Lee
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayoung Kwon
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongha Lee
- Cognitive Science Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Seulah Lee
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Cho
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayea Kim
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
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D’Adamo CR, Nelson JL, Miller SN, Rickert Hong M, Lambert E, Tallman Ruhm H. Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Pers Med 2024; 14:641. [PMID: 38929862 PMCID: PMC11205016 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism has been increasing at an alarming rate. Even accounting for the expansion of autism spectrum disorder diagnostic (ASD) criteria throughout the 1990's, there has been an over 300% increase in ASD prevalence since the year 2000. The often debilitating personal, familial, and societal sequelae of autism are generally believed to be lifelong. However, there have been several encouraging case reports demonstrating the reversal of autism diagnoses, with a therapeutic focus on addressing the environmental and modifiable lifestyle factors believed to be largely underlying the condition. This case report describes the reversal of autism symptoms among dizygotic, female twin toddlers and provides a review of related literature describing associations between modifiable lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and various clinical approaches to treating autism. The twins were diagnosed with Level 3 severity ASD "requiring very substantial support" at approximately 20 months of age following concerns of limited verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviors, rigidity around transitions, and extensive gastrointestinal symptoms, among other common symptoms. A parent-driven, multidisciplinary, therapeutic intervention involving a variety of licensed clinicians focusing primarily on addressing environmental and modifiable lifestyle factors was personalized to each of the twin's symptoms, labs, and other outcome measures. Dramatic improvements were noted within several months in most domains of the twins' symptoms, which manifested in reductions of Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores from 76 to 32 in one of the twins and from 43 to 4 in the other twin. The improvement in symptoms and ATEC scores has remained relatively stable for six months at last assessment. While prospective studies are required, this case offers further encouraging evidence of ASD reversal through a personalized, multidisciplinary approach focusing predominantly on addressing modifiable environmental and lifestyle risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. D’Adamo
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Josephine L. Nelson
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Sara N. Miller
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Maria Rickert Hong
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Elizabeth Lambert
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
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Li X, Zhou X, Ping X, Zhao X, Kang H, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Ge H, Liu L, Li R, Guo L. Combined Plasma Olink Proteomics and Transcriptomics Identifies CXCL1 and TNFRSF12A as Potential Predictive and Diagnostic Inflammatory Markers for Acute Kidney Injury. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-01993-9. [PMID: 38472598 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-01993-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) poses a significant global public health challenge. Current methods for detecting AKI rely on monitoring changes in serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary output and some commonly employed biomarkers. However, these indicators are usually neither specific nor sensitive to AKI, especially in cases of mild kidney injury. AKI is accompanied by severe inflammatory reactions, resulting in the upregulation of numerous inflammation-associated proteins in the plasma. Plasma biomarkers are a noninvasive method for detecting kidney injury, and to date, plasma inflammation-associated cytokines have not been adequately studied in AKI patients. The objective of our research was to identify novel inflammatory biomarkers for AKI. We utilized Olink proteomics to analyze the alterations in plasma inflammation-related proteins in the serum of healthy mice (n = 2) or mice treated with cisplatin (n = 6). Additionally, transcriptome datasets for the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cisplatin, and ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) groups were obtained from the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We calculated the intersection of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and genes (DEGs) from both datasets. In the Olink proteomics analysis, the AKI group had significantly greater levels of 11 DEPs than did the control group. In addition, 56 common upregulated DEGs were obtained from the transcriptome dataset. The expression of CXCL1 and TNFRSF12A overlapped across all the datasets. The transcription and protein expression levels of CXCL1 and TNFRSF12A were detected in vivo. The gene and protein levels of CXCL1 and TNFRSF12A were significantly increased in different AKI mouse models and clinical patients, suggesting that these genes and proteins could be potential specific biomarkers for the identification of AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Li
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyang Zhou
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
- Basic-Medicine of Shanxi Medical University, Yingze District, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinbo Ping
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixia Kang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
- Second Department of Nephrology, Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuehong Ma
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
| | - Haijun Ge
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Liu
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongshang Li
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lili Guo
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Yingze District, 29 Shuangta East Street, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China.
- Basic-Medicine of Shanxi Medical University, Yingze District, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China.
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Kaupper CS, Blaauwendraad SM, Cecil CAM, Mulder RH, Gaillard R, Goncalves R, Borggraefe I, Koletzko B, Jaddoe VWV. Cord Blood Metabolite Profiles and Their Association with Autistic Traits in Childhood. Metabolites 2023; 13:1140. [PMID: 37999236 PMCID: PMC10672851 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13111140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a diverse neurodevelopmental condition. Gene-environmental interactions in early stages of life might alter metabolic pathways, possibly contributing to ASD pathophysiology. Metabolomics may serve as a tool to identify underlying metabolic mechanisms contributing to ASD phenotype and could help to unravel its complex etiology. In a population-based, prospective cohort study among 783 mother-child pairs, cord blood serum concentrations of amino acids, non-esterified fatty acids, phospholipids, and carnitines were obtained using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Autistic traits were measured at the children's ages of 6 (n = 716) and 13 (n = 648) years using the parent-reported Social Responsiveness Scale. Lower cord blood concentrations of SM.C.39.2 and NEFA16:1/16:0 were associated with higher autistic traits among 6-year-old children, adjusted for sex and age at outcome. After more stringent adjustment for confounders, no significant associations of cord blood metabolites and autistic traits at ages 6 and 13 were detected. Differences in lipid metabolism (SM and NEFA) might be involved in ASD-related pathways and are worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin S. Kaupper
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia M. Blaauwendraad
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A. M. Cecil
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa H. Mulder
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.G.)
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Romy Gaillard
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Romy Goncalves
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingo Borggraefe
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU University Hospitals, LMU—Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU University Hospitals, LMU—Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Vincent W. V. Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Smith AM, Donley ELR, Ney DM, Amaral DG, Burrier RE, Natowicz MR. Metabolomic biomarkers in autism: identification of complex dysregulations of cellular bioenergetics. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1249578. [PMID: 37928922 PMCID: PMC10622772 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1249578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or autism) is a phenotypically and etiologically heterogeneous condition. Identifying biomarkers of clinically significant metabolic subtypes of autism could improve understanding of its underlying pathophysiology and potentially lead to more targeted interventions. We hypothesized that the application of metabolite-based biomarker techniques using decision thresholds derived from quantitative measurements could identify autism-associated subpopulations. Metabolomic profiling was carried out in a case-control study of 499 autistic and 209 typically developing (TYP) children, ages 18-48 months, enrolled in the Children's Autism Metabolome Project (CAMP; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02548442). Fifty-four metabolites, associated with amino acid, organic acid, acylcarnitine and purine metabolism as well as microbiome-associated metabolites, were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Using quantitative thresholds, the concentrations of 4 metabolites and 149 ratios of metabolites were identified as biomarkers, each identifying subpopulations of 4.5-11% of the CAMP autistic population. A subset of 42 biomarkers could identify CAMP autistic individuals with 72% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Many participants were identified by several metabolic biomarkers. Using hierarchical clustering, 30 clusters of biomarkers were created based on participants' biomarker profiles. Metabolic changes associated with the clusters suggest that altered regulation of cellular metabolism, especially of mitochondrial bioenergetics, were common metabolic phenotypes in this cohort of autistic participants. Autism severity and cognitive and developmental impairment were associated with increased lactate, many lactate containing ratios, and the number of biomarker clusters a participant displayed. These studies provide evidence that metabolic phenotyping is feasible and that defined autistic subgroups can lead to enhanced understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and potentially suggest pathways for targeted metabolic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M. Smith
- Stemina Biomarker Discovery, Inc, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Denise M. Ney
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - David G. Amaral
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Marvin R. Natowicz
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Genomic Medicine, Neurological and Pediatrics Institutes, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Matthews JS, Adams JB. Ratings of the Effectiveness of 13 Therapeutic Diets for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results of a National Survey. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1448. [PMID: 37888059 PMCID: PMC10608557 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study presents the results of the effectiveness of 13 therapeutic diets for autism spectrum disorder from 818 participants of a national survey, including benefits, adverse effects, and symptom improvements. The average Overall Benefit of diets was 2.36 (0 = no benefit, 4 = great benefit), which was substantially higher than for nutraceuticals (1.59/4.0) and psychiatric/seizure medications (1.39/4.0), p < 0.001. The average Overall Adverse Effects of diets was significantly lower than psychiatric/seizure medications (0.10 vs. 0.93, p < 0.001) and similar to nutraceuticals (0.16). Autism severity decreased slightly over time in participants who used diet vs. increasing slightly in those that did not (p < 0.001). Healthy and Feingold diets were the two top-rated diets by Overall Benefit; the ketogenic diet was the highest for nine symptoms (though had fewer respondents); and the gluten-free/casein-free diet was among the top for overall symptom improvements. Different diets were reported to affect different symptoms, suggesting that an individual's symptoms could be used to guide which diet(s) may be the most effective. The results suggest that therapeutic diets can be safe and effective interventions for improving some ASD-related symptoms with few adverse effects. We recommend therapeutic diets that include healthy foods and exclude problematic foods. Therapeutic diets are inexpensive treatments that we recommend for consideration by most people with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie S. Matthews
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
| | - James B. Adams
- School of Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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Bao XH, Chen BF, Liu J, Tan YH, Chen S, Zhang F, Lu HS, Li JC. Olink proteomics profiling platform reveals non-invasive inflammatory related protein biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1185021. [PMID: 37293545 PMCID: PMC10244537 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1185021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Owing to the lack of valid biomarkers, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis relies solely on the behavioral phenotypes of children. Several researchers have suggested an association between ASD and inflammation; however, the complex relationship between the two is unelucidated to date. Therefore, the current study aims to comprehensively identify novel circulating ASD inflammatory biomarkers. Methods Olink proteomics was applied to compare the plasma inflammation-related protein changes in a group of the healthy children (HC, n = 33) and another with ASD (n = 31). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were calculated. The functional analysis of the DEPs was performed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes. Pearson correlation tests were used employed to analyze the correlation between the DEPs and clinical features. Results A total of 13 DEPs were significantly up-regulated in the ASD group compared with the HC group. The four proteins, namely, STAMBP, ST1A1, SIRT2, and MMP-10 demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy with the corresponding AUCs (95% confidence interval, CI) of 0.7218 (0.5946-0.8489), 0.7107 (0.5827-0.8387), 0.7016 (0.5713-0.8319), and 0.7006 (0.568-0.8332). Each panel of STAMBP and any other differential protein demonstrated a better classification performance [AUC values from 0.7147 (0.5858-0.8436, STAMBP/AXIN1) to 0.7681 (0.6496-0.8867, STAMBP/MMP-10)]. These DEP profiles were enriched in immune and inflammatory response pathways, including TNF and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. The interaction between STAMBP and SIRT2 (R = 0.97, p = 8.52 × 10-39) was found to be the most significant. In addition, several DEPs related to clinical features in patients with ASD, particularly AXIN1 (R = 0.36, p = 0.006), SIRT2 (R = 0.34, p = 0.010) and STAMBP (R = 0.34, p = 0.010), were positively correlated with age and parity, indicating that older age and higher parity may be the inflammation-related clinical factors in ASD. Conclusion Inflammation plays a crucial role in ASD, and the up-regulated inflammatory proteins may serve as potential early diagnostic biomarkers for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Bao
- Precision Medicine Center and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Bao-Fu Chen
- Precision Medicine Center and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Medical Research Center, Yue Bei People's Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
| | - Yu-Hua Tan
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Shaoguan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shaoguan, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Shaoguan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shaoguan, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Yue Bei People's Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Lu
- Precision Medicine Center and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Ji-Cheng Li
- Precision Medicine Center and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Yue Bei People's Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Institute of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, China
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Zhang H, Tang X, Feng C, Gao Y, Hong Q, Zhang J, Zhang X, Zheng Q, Lin J, Liu X, Shen L. The use of data independent acquisition based proteomic analysis and machine learning to reveal potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder. J Proteomics 2023; 278:104872. [PMID: 36898611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological developmental disorder in children, and is associated with social isolation and restricted interests. The etiology of this disorder is still unknown. There is neither any confirmed laboratory test nor any effective therapeutic strategy to diagnose or cure it. We performed data independent acquisition (DIA) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis of plasma from children with ASD and controls. The result showed that 45 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between autistic subjects and controls. Among these, only one DEP was down-regulated in ASD; other DEPs were up-regulated in ASD children's plasma. These proteins are found associated with complement and coagulation cascades, vitamin digestion and absorption, cholesterol metabolism, platelet degranulation, selenium micronutrient network, extracellular matrix organization and inflammatory pathway, which have been reported to be related to ASD. After MRM verification, five key proteins in complement pathway (PLG, SERPINC1, and A2M) and inflammatory pathway (CD5L, ATRN, SERPINC1, and A2M) were confirmed to be significantly up-regulated in ASD group. Through the screening of machine learning model and MRM verification, we found that two proteins (biotinidase and carbonic anhydrase 1) can be used as early diagnostic markers of ASD (AUC = 0.8, p = 0.0001). SIGNIFICANCE: ASD is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder in the world and has become a major public health problem worldwide. Its prevalence has been steadily increasing, with a global prevalence rate of 1%. Early diagnosis and intervention can achieve better prognosis. In this study, data independent acquisition (DIA) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis was applied to analyze the plasma proteome of ASD patients (31 (±5) months old), and 378 proteins were quantified. 45 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between the ASD group and the control group. They mainly were associated with platelet degranulation, ECM proteoglycar, complement and coagulation cascades, selenium micronutrient network, regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) transport and uptake by insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs), cholesterol metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and inflammatory pathway. Through the integrated machine learning methods and the MRM verification of independent samples, it is considered that biotinidase and carbon anhydrase 1 have the potential to become biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD. These results complement proteomics database of the ASD patients, broaden our understanding of ASD, and provide a panel of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajie Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518071, PR China
| | - Xiaoxiao Tang
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518071, PR China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen 518100, PR China
| | - Yan Gao
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen 518100, PR China
| | - Qi Hong
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen 518100, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518071, PR China
| | - Xinglai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518071, PR China
| | - Qihong Zheng
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518071, PR China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518071, PR China
| | - Xukun Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518071, PR China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518071, PR China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research, Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, Shenzhen 518071, PR China.
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Mesleh A, Ehtewish H, de la Fuente A, Al-Shamari H, Ghazal I, Al-Faraj F, Al-Shaban F, Abdesselem HB, Emara M, Alajez NM, Arredouani A, Decock J, Albagha O, Stanton LW, Abdulla SA, El-Agnaf OMA. Blood Proteomics Analysis Reveals Potential Biomarkers and Convergent Dysregulated Pathways in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087443. [PMID: 37108604 PMCID: PMC10138652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term that encompasses several disabling neurodevelopmental conditions. These conditions are characterized by impaired manifestation in social and communication skills with repetitive and restrictive behaviors or interests. Thus far, there are no approved biomarkers for ASD screening and diagnosis; also, the current diagnosis depends heavily on a physician's assessment and family's awareness of ASD symptoms. Identifying blood proteomic biomarkers and performing deep blood proteome profiling could highlight common underlying dysfunctions between cases of ASD, given its heterogeneous nature, thus laying the foundation for large-scale blood-based biomarker discovery studies. This study measured the expression of 1196 serum proteins using proximity extension assay (PEA) technology. The screened serum samples included ASD cases (n = 91) and healthy controls (n = 30) between 6 and 15 years of age. Our findings revealed 251 differentially expressed proteins between ASD and healthy controls, of which 237 proteins were significantly upregulated and 14 proteins were significantly downregulated. Machine learning analysis identified 15 proteins that could be biomarkers for ASD with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.876 using support vector machine (SVM). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the top differentially expressed proteins (TopDE) and weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) revealed dysregulation of SNARE vesicular transport and ErbB pathways in ASD cases. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that proteins from those pathways correlate with ASD severity. Further validation and verification of the identified biomarkers and pathways are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej Mesleh
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Hanan Ehtewish
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Alberto de la Fuente
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Hawra Al-Shamari
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Iman Ghazal
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Fatema Al-Faraj
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Fouad Al-Shaban
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Houari B Abdesselem
- Proteomics Core Facility, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Emara
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University (QU), Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Nehad M Alajez
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Abdelilah Arredouani
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Omar Albagha
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Lawrence W Stanton
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Sara A Abdulla
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
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10
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Nabi SU, Rehman MU, Arafah A, Taifa S, Khan IS, Khan A, Rashid S, Jan F, Wani HA, Ahmad SF. Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders by Mitochondrial-targeted Drug: Future of Neurological Diseases Therapeutics. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1042-1064. [PMID: 36411568 PMCID: PMC10286588 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221121095618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex etiology that might involve environmental and genetic variables. Recently, some epidemiological studies conducted in various parts of the world have estimated a significant increase in the prevalence of autism, with 1 in every 59 children having some degree of autism. Since autism has been associated with other clinical abnormalities, there is every possibility that a sub-cellular component may be involved in the progression of autism. The organelle remains a focus based on mitochondria's functionality and metabolic role in cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally and has its DNA and organelle that remain actively involved during embryonic development; these characteristics have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to autism. Although rapid stride has been made in autism research, there are limited studies that have made particular emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction and autism. Accumulating evidence from studies conducted at cellular and sub-cellular levels has indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction's role in autism is more than expected. The present review has attempted to describe the risk factors of autism, the role of mitochondria in the progression of the disease, oxidative damage as a trigger point to initiate mitochondrial damage, genetic determinants of the disease, possible pathogenic pathways and therapeutic regimen in vogue and the developmental stage. Furthermore, in the present review, an attempt has been made to include the novel therapeutic regimens under investigation at different clinical trial stages and their potential possibility to emerge as promising drugs against ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Showkat Ul Nabi
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Muneeb U. Rehman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azher Arafah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Taifa
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Iqra Shafi Khan
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Andleeb Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Summya Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Jan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CT University, Ludhiana, Ferozepur Road, Punjab, 142024, India
| | - Hilal Ahmad Wani
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Degree College Sumbal, Bandipora, J&K, India
| | - Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Glucose and Lipid Profiles Predict Anthropometric Changes in Drug-Naïve Adolescents Starting Treatment with Risperidone or Sertraline: A Pilot Study. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010048. [PMID: 36672556 PMCID: PMC9855642 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are associated with cardiometabolic diseases, partly due to adverse drug effects with individual risk variabilities. Risperidone and sertraline are widely used for youths. Although they may be exposed to anthropometric changes, few data about this population exist. We evaluated the correlation between several blood parameters and body changes in a very small group of drug-naïve adolescents who had started risperidone or sertraline. We examined weight, waist circumference (WC), WC/height ratio and body mass index (BMI) at baseline (T0) and after at least three months of therapy (T1), and blood glucose and lipid profiles at T0. Here, we show significant increases in several anthropometric parameters in both groups, a negative correlation between HDL and ΔWC in the risperidone group and positive correlations between insulin and ΔBMI and between HOMA-IR and ΔBMI in the sertraline group. Despite the sample size, these results are important because it is difficult to study adolescents who are long-term-compliant with psychotropic drugs. This pilot study supports the importance of future large-scale investigations to understand the metabolic risk profiles of psychotropic drugs, their individual vulnerabilities and their underlying mechanisms. Simultaneous guideline-based psychiatric and metabolic interventions should be part of daily practice.
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12
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Mahony C, O'Ryan C. A molecular framework for autistic experiences: Mitochondrial allostatic load as a mediator between autism and psychopathology. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:985713. [PMID: 36506457 PMCID: PMC9732262 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.985713] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular autism research is evolving toward a biopsychosocial framework that is more informed by autistic experiences. In this context, research aims are moving away from correcting external autistic behaviors and toward alleviating internal distress. Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) are associated with high rates of depression, suicidality and other comorbid psychopathologies, but this relationship is poorly understood. Here, we integrate emerging characterizations of internal autistic experiences within a molecular framework to yield insight into the prevalence of psychopathology in ASC. We demonstrate that descriptions of social camouflaging and autistic burnout resonate closely with the accepted definitions for early life stress (ELS) and chronic adolescent stress (CAS). We propose that social camouflaging could be considered a distinct form of CAS that contributes to allostatic overload, culminating in a pathophysiological state that is experienced as autistic burnout. Autistic burnout is thought to contribute to psychopathology via psychological and physiological mechanisms, but these remain largely unexplored by molecular researchers. Building on converging fields in molecular neuroscience, we discuss the substantial evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction in ASC to propose a novel role for mitochondrial allostatic load in the relationship between autism and psychopathology. An interplay between mitochondrial, neuroimmune and neuroendocrine signaling is increasingly implicated in stress-related psychopathologies, and these molecular players are also associated with neurodevelopmental, neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of ASC. Together, this suggests an increased exposure and underlying molecular susceptibility to ELS that increases the risk of psychopathology in ASC. This article describes an integrative framework shaped by autistic experiences that highlights novel avenues for molecular research into mechanisms that directly affect the quality of life and wellbeing of autistic individuals. Moreover, this framework emphasizes the need for increased access to diagnoses, accommodations, and resources to improve mental health outcomes in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen O'Ryan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Daneberga Z, Nakazawa-Miklasevica M, Berga-Svitina E, Murmane D, Isarova D, Cupane L, Masinska M, Nartisa I, Lazdane A, Miklasevics E. Urinary organic acids spectra in children with altered gut microbiota composition and autistic spectrum disorder. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:523-529. [PMID: 34935590 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2021.2014954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Alteration of human gut microbiota is described in a number of neuro-developmental and cognitive disorders including autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Along with the changes in the gut microbiota, children with ASD are also reported to have changes in urinary organic acid spectra implying these metabolites as potential biomarkers for gastrointestinal dysbiosis.Aim: Identify urinary metabolites that would indicate specific changes in the gut microbiota and could be useful as biomarkers.Methods: The study group consisted of 44 children with ASD. Urinary organic acids spectra and composition of gut microbiota were analysed.Results: Any significant deviation in quantified metabolites compared to the reference values were not confirmed. The main variations were detected in concentration of p-cresol and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid (HPHPA), but we cannot confirm the presence of HPHPA in urine as a biomarker for Clostridium sp. overgrowth in the gut. The acquired results indicate higher relative abundance of Firmicutes phylum alone may be attributed to increased concentration of p-cresol in urine. Decreased Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio was found in the group with the presence of HPHPA in urine.Conclusions: Metabolites of human urine can be used as biomarkers for alterations of gut microbiota with caution, guided treatment should be administrated only based on gut microbiota analysis results or in combination with urinary organic acid results, but not solely based on organic acid biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanda Daneberga
- Institute of Oncology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.,Laboratory, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | | | | | - Daiga Murmane
- Clinic of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Dana Isarova
- Infection Prevention and Control Department, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Liene Cupane
- Clinic of General Paediatrics, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia.,Department of Paediatrics, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Madara Masinska
- Clinic of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Inga Nartisa
- Laboratory, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Andzela Lazdane
- Laboratory, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
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14
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Jensen AR, Lane AL, Werner BA, McLees SE, Fletcher TS, Frye RE. Modern Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Future Directions. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:483-495. [PMID: 35759118 PMCID: PMC9411091 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00600-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is an increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in the world today, with an estimated 2% of the population being affected in the USA. A major complicating factor in diagnosing, treating, and understanding autism spectrum disorder is that defining the disorder is solely based on the observation of behavior. Thus, recent research has focused on identifying specific biological abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder that can provide clues to diagnosis and treatment. Biomarkers are an objective way to identify and measure biological abnormalities for diagnostic purposes as well as to measure changes resulting from treatment. This current opinion paper discusses the state of research of various biomarkers currently in development for autism spectrum disorder. The types of biomarkers identified include prenatal history, genetics, neurological including neuroimaging, neurophysiologic, and visual attention, metabolic including abnormalities in mitochondrial, folate, trans-methylation, and trans-sulfuration pathways, immune including autoantibodies and cytokine dysregulation, autonomic nervous system, and nutritional. Many of these biomarkers have promising preliminary evidence for prenatal and post-natal pre-symptomatic risk assessment, confirmation of diagnosis, subtyping, and treatment response. However, most biomarkers have not undergone validation studies and most studies do not investigate biomarkers with clinically relevant comparison groups. Although the field of biomarker research in autism spectrum disorder is promising, it appears that it is currently in the early stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Jensen
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Alison L Lane
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Brianna A Werner
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Sallie E McLees
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Tessa S Fletcher
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Richard E Frye
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA.
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15
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Methods to Improve Molecular Diagnosis in Genomic Cold Cases in Pediatric Neurology. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020333. [PMID: 35205378 PMCID: PMC8871714 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020333] [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: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, genetic testing has emerged as an important etiological diagnostic tool for Mendelian diseases, including pediatric neurological conditions. A genetic diagnosis has a considerable impact on disease management and treatment; however, many cases remain undiagnosed after applying standard diagnostic sequencing techniques. This review discusses various methods to improve the molecular diagnostic rates in these genomic cold cases. We discuss extended analysis methods to consider, non-Mendelian inheritance models, mosaicism, dual/multiple diagnoses, periodic re-analysis, artificial intelligence tools, and deep phenotyping, in addition to integrating various omics methods to improve variant prioritization. Last, novel genomic technologies, including long-read sequencing, artificial long-read sequencing, and optical genome mapping are discussed. In conclusion, a more comprehensive molecular analysis and a timely re-analysis of unsolved cases are imperative to improve diagnostic rates. In addition, our current understanding of the human genome is still limited due to restrictions in technologies. Novel technologies are now available that improve upon some of these limitations and can capture all human genomic variation more accurately. Last, we recommend a more routine implementation of high molecular weight DNA extraction methods that is coherent with the ability to use and/or optimally benefit from these novel genomic methods.
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16
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A Personalized Approach to Evaluating and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020147. [PMID: 35207636 PMCID: PMC8877244 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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17
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Coppedè F. The diagnostic potential of the epigenome in autism spectrum disorders. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1587-1590. [PMID: 34617447 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tweetable abstract The diagnostic application of genome-wide methylation signatures is increasing in various syndromic forms of autism, but further studies are warranted to clarify whether epigenetic biomarkers can be of diagnostic utility in idiopathic ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
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18
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Theoharides TC. Ways to Address Perinatal Mast Cell Activation and Focal Brain Inflammation, including Response to SARS-CoV-2, in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2021; 11:860. [PMID: 34575637 PMCID: PMC8465360 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090860] [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: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to increase, but no distinct pathogenesis or effective treatment are known yet. The presence of many comorbidities further complicates matters, making a personalized approach necessary. An increasing number of reports indicate that inflammation of the brain leads to neurodegenerative changes, especially during perinatal life, "short-circuiting the electrical system" in the amygdala that is essential for our ability to feel emotions, but also regulates fear. Inflammation of the brain can result from the stimulation of mast cells-found in all tissues including the brain-by neuropeptides, stress, toxins, and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, leading to the activation of microglia. These resident brain defenders then release even more inflammatory molecules and stop "pruning" nerve connections, disrupting neuronal connectivity, lowering the fear threshold, and derailing the expression of emotions, as seen in ASD. Many epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between ASD and atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma, and food allergies/intolerance, all of which involve activated mast cells. Mast cells can be triggered by allergens, neuropeptides, stress, and toxins, leading to disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and activation of microglia. Moreover, many epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between stress and atopic dermatitis (eczema) during gestation, which involves activated mast cells. Both mast cells and microglia can also be activated by SARS-CoV-2 in affected mothers during pregnancy. We showed increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 and its receptor, but decreased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-38 and its receptor IL-36R, only in the amygdala of deceased children with ASD. We further showed that the natural flavonoid luteolin is a potent inhibitor of the activation of both mast cells and microglia, but also blocks SARS-CoV-2 binding to its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). A treatment approach should be tailored to each individual patient and should address hyperactivity/stress, allergies, or food intolerance, with the introduction of natural molecules or drugs to inhibit mast cells and microglia, such as liposomal luteolin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Suite 304, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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19
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Black B. Sleep and Autism: An impactful and complex relationship that requires a personalized medicine approach. Sleep 2021; 44:6320054. [PMID: 34255079 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Black
- University of Missouri, Department of Child Health, Columbia, MO, United States of America
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20
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Yoo HJ. Inside Out. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2021; 32:83-84. [PMID: 34285631 PMCID: PMC8262975 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.210016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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21
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Genetics and Epigenetics of One-Carbon Metabolism Pathway in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Sex-Specific Brain Epigenome? Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050782. [PMID: 34065323 PMCID: PMC8161134 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting behavior and communication, presenting with extremely different clinical phenotypes and features. ASD etiology is composite and multifaceted with several causes and risk factors responsible for different individual disease pathophysiological processes and clinical phenotypes. From a genetic and epigenetic side, several candidate genes have been reported as potentially linked to ASD, which can be detected in about 10–25% of patients. Folate gene polymorphisms have been previously associated with other psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, mainly focused on gene variants in the DHFR gene (5q14.1; rs70991108, 19bp ins/del), MTHFR gene (1p36.22; rs1801133, C677T and rs1801131, A1298C), and CBS gene (21q22.3; rs876657421, 844ins68). Of note, their roles have been scarcely investigated from a sex/gender viewpoint, though ASD is characterized by a strong sex gap in onset-risk and progression. The aim of the present review is to point out the molecular mechanisms related to intracellular folate recycling affecting in turn remethylation and transsulfuration pathways having potential effects on ASD. Brain epigenome during fetal life necessarily reflects the sex-dependent different imprint of the genome-environment interactions which effects are difficult to decrypt. We here will focus on the DHFR, MTHFR and CBS gene-triad by dissecting their roles in a sex-oriented view, primarily to bring new perspectives in ASD epigenetics.
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