Cognitive theories of autism based on the interactions between brain functional networks

Cognitive functions are directly related to interactions between the brain's functional networks. This functional organization changes in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the heterogeneous nature of autism brings inconsistency in the findings, and specific pattern of changes based on the cognitive theories of ASD still requires to be well-understood. In this study, we hypothesized that the theory of mind (ToM), and the weak central coherence theory must follow an alteration pattern in the network level of functional interactions. The main aim is to understand this pattern by evaluating interactions between all the brain functional networks. Moreover, the association between the significantly altered interactions and cognitive dysfunctions in autism is also investigated. We used resting-state fMRI data of 106 subjects (5-14 years, 46 ASD: five female, 60 HC: 18 female) to define the brain functional networks. Functional networks were calculated by applying four parcellation masks and their interactions were estimated using Pearson's correlation between pairs of them. Subsequently, for each mask, a graph was formed based on the connectome of interactions. Then, the local and global parameters of the graph were calculated. Finally, statistical analysis was performed using a two-sample t-test to highlight the significant differences between autistic and healthy control groups. Our corrected results show significant changes in the interaction of default mode, sensorimotor, visuospatial, visual, and language networks with other functional networks that can support the main cognitive theories of autism. We hope this finding sheds light on a better understanding of the neural underpinning of autism.

Atorvastatin treatment improves diabetic polyneuropathy electrophysiological changes in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients: a double blind, randomized clinical trial

AIM

Statins are widely used amongst diabetic patients. Recently, it has been proposed that they may exert many beneficial effects on vascular function regardless of their cholesterol lowering action. There are also growing concerns about statins-induced polyneuropathy in diabetic patients. As far as we know, this is the first clinical trial that has studied the effect of atorvastatin on electrophysiological parameters in diabetic neuropathy.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that assessed nerve conduction velocity (NCV) parameters after a six-month therapy with atorvastatin, 20 mg per day.

RESULTS

Although there was an 11% difference in Motor to F-wave conduction velocity ratio (M/F ratio) between the studied group and the controls, this difference was not statistically significant. Motor conduction velocity (MCV) significantly improved by 5% (P<0.05) and the F wave was not significantly deteriorated.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, treatment with statins may have a beneficial effect on diabetic neuropathy electrophysiological changes, at least in the short-term.

Effect of Mouse Ovarian Vitrification on Promoter Methylation of Inhba and Inhbb in Granulosa Cells of Follicles

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation can induce cellular, genomic, and epigenetic abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the impact of ovarian vitrification on follicular development and its epigenetic effect on promoter methylation of Inhba and Inhbb in granulosa cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse ovaries were divided into control, toxicity, and vitrified groups. The growth and development of follicles were examined. After in vitro culture of follicles, DNA was extracted from isolated granulosa cells and treated with sodium bisulfite. The promoter methylation of Inhba and Inhbb was analyzed by direct PCR sequencing.

RESULTS

Vitrification reduced the growth of follicles; however, antral cavity formation was not influenced negatively. Vitrification reduced the percentage of 5-methylcytosine in the Inhba promoter, while CpG sites in the promoter of Inhbb remained unmethylated.

CONCLUSION

Vitrification had adverse effects on follicle growth and the epigenetics of granulosa cells. The results of the current study show that vitrification methods of ovary need more improvement.