Article
Neurosciences
Maham Rais, Jonathan W. Lovelace, Xinghao S. Shuai, Walker Woodard, Steven Bishay, Leo Estrada, Ashwin R. Sharma, Austin Nguy, Anna Kulinich, Patricia S. Pirbhoy, Arnold R. Palacios, David L. Nelson, Khaleel A. Razak, Iryna M. Ethell
Summary: This study provides insights into the role of excitatory neurons in the abnormal development of PV cells in Fragile X syndrome mice. Deleting or re-expressing FMRP in excitatory neurons is sufficient to elicit or ameliorate cortical deficits and abnormal behaviors.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefanie Grabrucker, Jessica Pagano, Johanna Schweizer, Carolina Urrutia-Ruiz, Michael Schoen, Kevin Thome, Guenter Ehret, Andreas M. Grabrucker, Rong Zhang, Bastian Hengerer, Juergen Bockmann, Chiara Verpelli, Carlo Sala, Tobias M. Boeckers
Summary: Shank2 deficiency in mice leads to a lack of social bonding behavior towards pups, but enhancing activity in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus can restore social bonding behavior.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Josiah D. Zoodsma, Emma J. Keegan, Gabrielle R. Moody, Ashwin A. Bhandiwad, Amalia J. Napoli, Harold A. Burgess, Lonnie P. Wollmuth, Howard Sirotkin
Summary: This study used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to generate zebrafish lacking GluN2B, showing similar structural and functional properties to humans, and revealing a specific deficit in social behavior. Despite the lack of GluN2B not resulting in broad disruption of neurodevelopment in zebrafish, there are significant differences in specific behaviors.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Saijun Huang, Jiaying Zeng, Ruoyu Sun, Hong Yu, Haimou Zhang, Xi Su, Paul Yao
Summary: Prenatal exposure to progestin causes oxytocin suppression, leading to social deficits in mouse offspring.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Haisheng Zhao, Xijing Mao, Cuilin Zhu, Xiaohan Zou, Fanzhen Peng, Wei Yang, Bingjin Li, Guangquan Li, Tongtong Ge, Ranji Cui
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a series of neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. The dysregulation of GABAergic synaptic transmission is implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD, although the specific molecular mechanism is still unclear.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Adi Aran, Moria Harel, Aminadav Ovadia, Shulamit Shalgy, Dalit Cayam-Rand
Summary: This retrospective study found that the placebo response in children with ASD may be associated with their comprehension of the treatment purpose and a relative aggravation of symptoms before treatment onset. However, other factors such as parental expectations, previous positive experience, parental locus of control, patient-physician relationships, and medication adherence were not associated with the placebo response.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Claudia Cristiano, Floriana Volpicelli, Marianna Crispino, Enza Lacivita, Roberto Russo, Marcello Leopoldo, Antonio Calignano, Carla Perrone-Capano
Summary: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and altered inflammatory responses. This study found that ASD children have decreased levels of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a mediator involved in inflammation resolution. Activation of the receptor FPR2 by a compound called MR-39 had positive effects on inflammation markers, LXA4 expression, and social behavior in validated animal models of ASD. These findings suggest that FPR2 could be a potential target for therapeutic approaches in ASD.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hsiao-Ying Kuo, Fu-Chin Liu
Summary: This article discusses the role of monoamine neurotransmitter systems in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on the monoamine neurotransmitter systems. It also reviews the potential interactions between the microbiota and monoamine neurotransmitter systems in ASD pathophysiology.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Helen Friedericke Bauer, Jan Philipp Delling, Juergen Bockmann, Tobias M. Boeckers, Michael Schoen
Summary: Individuals with SHANK3-related neurodevelopmental disorder, also known as Phelan-McDermid syndrome or PMS, exhibit developmental delay, language impairment, muscular hypotonia, repetitive behaviors, and altered social interactions. This study investigated autism-related behaviors and phenotypes in a Shank3-transgenic mouse model, finding stable phenotypes, impaired motor coordination and endurance, minor impairments in social behavior, pronounced stereotypic and repetitive behaviors, increased avoidance and anxiety, and slightly impaired cognitive flexibility. Accurate characterization of animal models for genetic diseases is important for understanding the pathophysiology and finding translational biomarkers for therapeutic approaches.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
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)
Article
Neurosciences
Soo Yeon Lee, Hanseul Kweon, Hyojin Kang, Eunjoon Kim
Summary: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are more common in males than females, and a specific gene mutation has been found to cause male-preponderant autistic-like behaviors in mice during juvenile and adult stages.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Maria Bove, Stefania Schiavone, Paolo Tucci, Vladyslav Sikora, Stefania Dimonte, Anna Laura Colia, Maria Grazia Morgese, Luigia Trabace
Summary: This study investigated whether early ketamine administration in mice could induce behavioral features that mimic typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results showed that adult mice receiving early ketamine administration exhibited increased stereotyped behaviors, social impairments, and anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, neurochemical and biomolecular analyses revealed alterations in neurotransmitters and immune activation biomarkers related to ASD in specific brain regions. These findings suggest that early ketamine administration may represent a suitable animal model for studying ASD-related symptoms.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Liliana Dell'Osso, Giulia Amatori, Barbara Carpita, Gabriele Massimetti, Benedetta Nardi, Davide Gravina, Francesca Benedetti, Chiara Bonelli, Danila Casagrande, Mario Luciano, Isabella Berardelli, Natascia Brondino, Marianna De Gregorio, Giacomo Deste, Marta Nola, Antonino Reitano, Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello, Maurizio Pompili, Pierluigi Politi, Antonio Vita, Mario Maj
Summary: Several studies have found a correlation between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and catatonia, both of which are also associated with mood disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between autistic traits and catatonic symptoms, as well as the potential mediating role of mood disorder spectrum. The results showed strong positive correlations, with the strongest coefficient observed between AdAS Spectrum total score and CS total score. Mediation analysis revealed that the mood disorder spectrum had a significant indirect effect on the relationship between autistic traits and catatonic symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
V Nezgovorova, C. J. Ferretti, B. P. Taylor, E. Shanahan, G. Uzunova, K. Hong, O. Devinsky, E. Hollander
Summary: Current treatments for ASD are limited in efficacy, leading to the need for novel experimental therapeutics. The endocannabinoid system may play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD, making phytocannabinoids a potential effective treatment for core symptoms.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Psychiatry
Tangfeng Su, Yu Yan, Qiang Li, Jiacai Ye, Lei Pei
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with no effective treatment yet, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found to participate in regulating social reward behavior, potentially serving as a target for the treatment of autism. Modulating ECS signaling can impact microglial function and contribute to improving symptoms of autism.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
