Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tongtong Wang, Sha Li, Yangke Wu, Xiao Yan, Yiming Zhu, Yu Jiang, Feiya Jiang, Wen Liu
Summary: By using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabonomics strategy and network pharmacological analysis, this study revealed the potential mechanisms underlying the antipulmonary fibrosis effect of Xuebijing in treating paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis, showcasing its characteristics of multitarget, multichannel, and multicomponent action.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Alexis Hofherr, Julie Williams, Li-Ming Gan, Magnus Soederberg, Pernille B. L. Hansen, Kevin J. Woollard
Summary: Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, with chronic inflammation being a key factor in the pathophysiology of renal and cardiovascular diseases associated with diabetes. Inflammatory biomarkers are closely related to poor renal outcomes and mortality in DKD patients. However, the heterogeneity of the DKD patient population poses challenges for clinical trials of novel anti-inflammatory therapies.
Review
Neurosciences
Vaibhav Sharma, Saptamita Paul Choudhury, Saroj Kumar, Fredrik Nikolajeff
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopment disorder with increasing prevalence globally. Diagnosis of ASD is currently based mainly on behavioral assessments, which is complicated due to the multifactorial etiology and diverse symptoms. This mini-review focuses on recent literature on saliva-based diagnostic methods for ASD, particularly the use of proteomic and RNA-based biomarkers. The advantages of saliva, such as being non-invasive and easy to handle, make it an attractive option for biomarker identification in ASD.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Shahid Nadeem, Salman Hosawi, Sultan Alshehri, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Syed Sarim Imam, Bibi Nazia Murtaza, Imran Kazmi
Summary: ASD and AD are neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders that affect opposite ends of the human lifespan, with shared symptoms and overlapping genetic and pathogenic mechanisms, including dementia, insomnia, and weakened neuromuscular interaction. Research on the interactive roles of genetic and environmental factors, oxidative stress, gene mutations, and cellular pathways in the development of ASD and AD is ongoing.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hong Zhang, Devan Mehrotra, Judong Shen
Summary: This article discusses the challenges of PGx GWAS studies and proposes the adaptively weighted joint test (AWOT) and Cauchy Weighted jOint Test (CWOT) for detecting genetic variant-drug-response associations. Through extensive simulations, it is shown that AWOT and CWOT control type I error well and outperform existing methods in detecting interesting signal patterns in PGx settings. The value of AWOT and CWOT is demonstrated by applying them to the Bezlotoxumab Clostridium difficile MODIFY I/II Phase 3 trials.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Rosaria Ferrara, Leonardo Iovino, Magda Di Renzo, Pasquale Ricci
Summary: A baby's first year is crucial, and early screening and intervention are important for identifying developmental anomalies, especially in families with genetic vulnerabilities. Such interventions not only impact the individuals and families involved, but also have significant effects on public finance. It is therefore essential to establish specific professional procedures for psychologists, pediatricians, and neuropsychologists specialized in interventions during the first year of life.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
David Q. Beversdorf, Kristin Sohl, David Levitskiy, Priscilla Tennant, Robin P. Goin-Kochel, Rebecca C. Shaffer, Alexandra Confair, Frank A. Middleton, Steven D. Hicks
Summary: Gastrointestinal disorders are common in children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study found that certain salivary micro-transcriptome features are associated with ASD-related GI disturbance and are related to treatment modalities and autistic behaviors.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sahreh Shabani
Summary: Exposure to neurotoxic air pollutants is strongly associated with neurological disorders, including memory impairment, communication deficits, and anxiety/depression. These pollutants increase the risk of neurodegenerative disease, ischemia, and autism spectrum disorders, but the specific mechanisms remain unclear.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nan Song, Si Sun, Ke Chen, Yang Wang, Hao Wang, Jian Meng, Meili Guo, Xiao Dong Zhang, Ruiping Zhang
Summary: This review provides an overview of the latest developments in Alzheimer's disease (AD) detection and treatment based on nanotechnology and nanoparticles (NPs). Nanotechnology has shown great potential in early detection and timely treatment of AD through electrochemical sensing, optical sensing, and imaging techniques. The important advances in nanotechnology-based AD treatment through targeting disease biomarkers, stem-cell therapy and immunotherapy are highlighted. The current challenges and promising prospect for nanotechnology-based AD diagnosis and intervention are also summarized.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Michael R. Duggan, Anne Lu, Thomas C. Foster, Mathieu Wimmer, Vinay Parikh
Summary: Aging is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline, but the extent and underlying neurobiology can vary between individuals. Recent developments in analyzing exosomes have improved our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to cognitive variation in aging. It holds promise for predicting cognitive trajectories and improving functional outcomes for the elderly.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biology
Xueqi Hu, Dongdong Zhang, Zheng Zeng, Linjie Huang, Xiahui Lin, Shanni Hong
Summary: Aptamers, single-stranded DNA or RNA oligomers with high specificity and binding affinity, have shown great potential in cancer diagnostics and treatments. They can bind to cancer biomarkers and serve as molecular probes for detection.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarina Jansakova, Klaudia Kyselicova, Daniela Ostatnikova, Gabriela Repiska
Summary: Saliva, as a potential alternative to other body fluids, offers a complex view on the current state of the individual with its sources of nucleic acid of both human and microbial origin, protein, and non-protein molecules. Using salivary markers may simplify ASD screening and potentially reveal the etiopathogenesis of ASD, with the advantage of easier recruitment of neurotypical counterparts for studies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liu-Lin Xiong, Lu-Lu Xue, Yan-Jun Chen, Ruo-Lan Du, Qian Wang, Song Wen, Lin Zhou, Tao Liu, Ting-Hua Wang, Chang-Yin Yu
Summary: Label-free quantitative proteomics was used to analyze DEPs in the CSF of encephalitis patients. NLGN2 and LRRC4B proteins were found to be upregulated in the CSF of patients with encephalitis, indicating they could be potential biomarkers, but further multiomics studies are needed for clinical application.
Review
Neurosciences
Yafen Wang, Weicheng Meng, Zhixin Liu, Qunxing An, Xingbin Hu
Summary: Psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and major depressive disorder, have a significant impact on society's health. Cognitive impairment is a crucial aspect of these disorders and plays a vital role in patients' social function and disease recurrence. This review aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in major psychiatric disorders and identify valuable biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these disorders.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Stoccoro, Eugenia Conti, Elena Scaffei, Sara Calderoni, Fabio Coppede, Lucia Migliore, Roberta Battini
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with unknown causes. Epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, may play a role in ASD pathogenesis. This systematic review aimed to investigate the clinical application of DNA methylation in children with ASD, with potential as a biomarker. The results suggest that peripheral DNA methylation could be a promising methodology in ASD research, but further studies are needed to develop clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Annie Vogel Ciernia, Verena M. Link, Milo Careaga, Janine M. LaSalle, Paul Ashwood
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Jamie S. Church, Juan M. Tamayo, Paul Ashwood, Jared J. Schwartzer
Summary: This study found that maternal exposure to allergens during early pregnancy affects the behavioral outcomes of male offspring, while later pregnancy exposure to stress and allergens can also impact offspring development.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Heather K. Hughes, Emily Mills-Ko, Houa Yang, Tyler A. Lesh, Cameron S. Carter, Paul Ashwood
Summary: Increased innate immune activation and inflammation are common in psychotic and affective disorders, with varying types of immune dysfunction seen depending on the presence of a mood component. Dysfunctional monocyte responses were found in both affective and non-affective psychotic disorders.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Kristen Lyall, Jennifer L. Ames, Michelle Pearl, Michela Traglia, Lauren A. Weiss, Gayle C. Windham, Martin Kharrazi, Cathleen K. Yoshida, Robert Yolken, Heather E. Volk, Paul Ashwood, Judy Van de Water, Lisa A. Croen
Summary: The Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study has contributed to the understanding of the importance of maternal immune response during pregnancy in the etiology of autism by examining biomarker levels and environmental factors. Future research directions include investigating mechanistic pathways and the combined effects of exposures.
Article
Psychiatry
Heather K. Hughes, Megan E. Rowland, Charity E. Onore, Sally Rogers, Annie Vogel Ciernia, Paul Ashwood
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions, communication, and stereotypical behaviors. Immune dysfunction is a common co-morbidity seen in ASD. This study found that activation of toll-like receptors (TLR)-2 and 4 in monocytes from ASD children induced expression of immune genes differently compared to typically developing (TD) children. These findings suggest abnormal immune regulation in ASD and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying immune dysfunction in ASD.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Christine Wu Nordahl, Derek Sayre Andrews, Patrick Dwyer, Einat Waizbard-Bartov, Bibiana Restrepo, Joshua K. Lee, Brianna Heath, Clifford Saron, Susan M. Rivera, Marjorie Solomon, Paul Ashwood, David G. Amaral
Summary: Autism is a heterogeneous disorder, but identifying more homogenous subgroups can lead to a better understanding of its etiology and more targeted interventions and treatments. The Autism Phenome Project (APP) by UC Davis MIND Institute aims to identify clinically meaningful subtypes of autism through a multidisciplinary approach and longitudinal observations.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Heather K. Hughes, Charity E. Onore, Milo Careaga, Sally J. Rogers, Paul Ashwood
Summary: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased, and research has found immune risk factors for ASD and evidence of immune dysfunction and excess inflammation in autistic individuals. This study found that monocytes from autistic children produce increased IL-6 after TLR4 activation compared to typically developing children. IL-6 concentration also correlated with the severity of behaviors, suggesting potential dysfunction of myeloid cells in ASD.
Article
Biology
Kari Neier, Tianna E. Grant, Rebecca L. Palmer, Demario Chappell, Sophia M. Hakam, Kendra M. Yasui, Matt Rolston, Matthew L. Settles, Samuel S. Hunter, Abdullah Madany, Paul Ashwood, Blythe Durbin-Johnson, Janine M. LaSalle, Dag H. Yasui
Summary: Using a mouse model for Rett syndrome (RTT), researchers found that females and males show different pathophysiology and disease progression, indicating that changes in gut microbiome and metabolism influence disease progression.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra Ramirez-Celis, Lisa A. Croen, Cathleen K. Yoshida, Stacey E. Alexeeff, Joseph Schauer, Robert H. Yolken, Paul Ashwood, Judy van de Water
Summary: Maternal autoantibody-related ASD (MAR ASD) is a subtype of autism where maternal autoantibodies cross the placenta and affect the developing brain, leading to neurodevelopmental alterations and autism-associated behaviors in the offspring. This study validated previously identified MAR ASD patterns and their accuracy in predicting ASD risk.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdullah M. Madany, Heather K. Hughes, Paul Ashwood
Summary: This study investigated the effect of antibiotics administered to pregnant dams on offspring gut microbiome composition and metabolic capabilities, and how these changes in the microbiota may influence their immune responses in both the periphery and the brain. The results show that the antibiotic cocktail significantly altered the diversity and taxonomy of the offspring's gut microbiota. Additionally, the predicted metabolic pathways were also significantly changed. In response to LPS immune challenge, the brains of the offspring showed decreased levels of innate inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. These findings suggest that maternal antibiotic use can have long-lasting effects on the gut microbiome and neuroimmune responses of offspring.
Article
Neurosciences
Juan M. Tamayo, Destanie Rose, Jamie S. Church, Jared J. Schwartzer, Paul Ashwood
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, communication skills, and repetitive behaviors. Maternal allergic asthma may increase the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with ASD. Using a mouse model, researchers examined the effects of allergic asthma on the fetal environment and inflammatory markers. The results showed that allergic asthma altered cytokine expression in the fetal environment, leading to homeostatic and neuroinflammatory changes in the fetal brain.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdullah M. Madany, Heather K. Hughes, Paul Ashwood
Summary: The study demonstrates that maternal antibiotic administration alters the diversity, composition, and metabolic pathways of offspring's gut microbiota, which undergoes continuous transformation in early age after weaning.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joseph C. Boktor, Mark D. Adame, Destanie R. Rose, Cynthia M. Schumann, Karl D. Murray, Melissa D. Bauman, Milo Careaga, Sarkis K. Mazmanian, Paul Ashwood, Brittany D. Needham
Summary: This study explored the metabolic profiles of rhesus monkeys exposed to maternal immune activation (MIA) as a model for neurodevelopmental disorders. The results revealed differences in lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism between MIA-exposed offspring and control samples, with correlations to behavior scores and cytokine levels. Modest changes in fecal and intestinal microbial profiles were also observed, along with differential metabolomic profiles within males and females.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
H. K. Hughes, R. J. Moreno, P. Ashwood
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and social behavior, often accompanied by restricted and repetitive behaviors. The prevalence of ASD has been increasing in recent decades, and both genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to its etiology. This review explores the evidence of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including abnormal cellular function, neuroinflammation, and microglial activation.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Heather K. Hughes, Houa Yang, Tyler A. Lesh, Cameron S. Carter, Paul Ashwood
Summary: In affective psychosis patients, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) produce higher levels of cytokines after stimulation compared to non-affective psychosis patients and healthy controls. These cytokines are associated with both innate and adaptive immune responses. Inflammation may be associated with increased negative symptoms.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tong Cheng, Zhusheng Chen, Yibin Qin, Xiang Zhu, Hongsheng Chen, Zhongling Xu, Xiaqing Ma
Summary: Morphine is commonly used and effective for pain relief, but its side effect of itching limits its clinical use. This paper discusses the potential of using esketamine to treat morphine-induced itching.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2024)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sung Eun Lee, Eunjung Park, Ji-yun Kim, HyukHoon Kim
Summary: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a potential therapeutic modality that has been recognized for its favorable mechanisms in various diseases, including sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). HBOT has neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects as well as increased tissue oxygenation capacity. However, there are caveats and limitations in applying HBOT in sepsis.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2024)
