Erythrocyte Shape Abnormalities, Membrane Oxidative Damage, andβ-Actin Alterations: An Unrecognized Triad in Classical Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a complex group of neurodevelopment disorders steadily rising in frequency and treatment refractory, where the search for biological markers is of paramount importance. Although red blood cells (RBCs) membrane lipidomics and rheological variables have been reported to be altered, with some suggestions indicating an increased lipid peroxidation in the erythrocyte membrane, to date no information exists on how the oxidative membrane damage may affect cytoskeletal membrane proteins and, ultimately, RBCs shape in autism. Here, we investigated RBC morphology by scanning electron microscopy in patients with classical autism, that is, the predominant ASDs phenotype (age range: 6–26 years), nonautistic neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e., “positive controls”), and healthy controls (i.e., “negative controls”). A high percentage of altered RBCs shapes, predominantly elliptocytes, was observed in autistic patients, but not in both control groups. The RBCs altered morphology in autistic subjects was related to increased erythrocyte membrane F2-isoprostanes and 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts. In addition, an oxidative damage of the erythrocyte membraneβ-actin protein was evidenced. Therefore, the combination of erythrocyte shape abnormalities, erythrocyte membrane oxidative damage, andβ-actin alterations constitutes a previously unrecognized triad in classical autism and provides new biological markers in the diagnostic workup of ASDs.

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Quantitation of plasma thiamine, related metabolites and plasma protein oxidative damage markers in children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls

Free Radical Research ◽

10.1080/10715762.2016.1239821 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 50 (sup1) ◽

pp. S85-S90 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Attia Anwar ◽

Marina Marini ◽

Provvidenza Maria Abruzzo ◽

Alessandra Bolotta ◽

Alessandro Ghezzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Plasma Protein ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Healthy Controls

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Changes in Human Erythrocyte Membrane Exposed to Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts from Uncaria tomentosa

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26113189 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 3189

Author(s):

Piotr Duchnowicz ◽

Radosław Pilarski ◽

Jaromir Michałowicz ◽

Bożena Bukowska

Keyword(s):

Erythrocyte Membrane ◽

Human Erythrocyte ◽

Ethanolic Extract ◽

Blood Purification ◽

Human Erythrocyte Membrane ◽

Uncaria Tomentosa ◽

Erythrocyte Shape ◽

Ethanolic Extracts ◽

Erythrocyte Membrane Fluidity ◽

Erythrocyte Plasma Membrane

Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC is a woody climber species originating from South and Central America that has been used in the therapy of asthma, rheumatism, hypertension, and blood purification. Our previous study showed that U. tomentosa extracts altered human erythrocyte shape, which could be due to incorporation of the compounds contained in extracts into the erythrocyte membrane. The aim of the present study was to determine how the compounds contained in U. tomentosa extracts incorporate into the human erythrocyte membrane. The study has assessed the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from leaves and bark of U. tomentosa on the osmotic resistance of the human erythrocyte, the viscosity of erythrocyte interior, and the fluidity of erythrocyte plasma membrane. Human erythrocytes were incubated with the studied extracts in the concentrations of 100, 250, and 500 µg/mL for 2, 5, and 24 h. All extracts tested caused a decrease in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and increased erythrocyte osmotic sensitivity. The ethanolic extracts from the bark and leaves increased viscosity of the erythrocytes. The largest changes in the studied parameters were observed in the cells incubated with bark ethanolic extract. We consider that the compounds from U. tomentosa extracts mainly build into the outer, hydrophilic monolayer of the erythrocyte membrane, thus protecting the erythrocytes against the adverse effects of oxidative stress.

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Prevalence of Malocclusions in Autistic Patients in Isfahan

Journal of Isfahan Dental School ◽

10.18502/ijds.v17i3.7536 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zahra Ali Mehtari ◽

Mehdi Rafiei ◽

Saeed Azarbayjani ◽

Neda Ahmadi Rouzbehani ◽

Amir Hossain Moeini

Keyword(s):

Class Ii ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Open Bite ◽

Class I ◽

Dental Student ◽

Class Iii ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Deep Bite ◽

Normal Occlusion ◽

Age Range

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed by impairments in social interaction and communication with repetitive and restrictive stereotyped behavioral patterns. The Prevalence of autism has been reported to be increased in recent years. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of different types of malocclusion among ASD patients in Isfahan in 2018. Materials & Methods: In a descriptive and cross-sectional trial, 92 ASD patients were studied in the age range of 7-18 years at the center for autism patients in Isfahan. Clinical oral examinations of patients are taken to assess the involved malocclusions (Cl I, Cl II and Cl III malocclusions) and malocclusion traits (deep bite, open bite and cross bite) by an educated dental student under the supervision of an orthodontist under natural light. The data are reported using frequency and percentage indices. Results: Class I malocclusion had the highest prevalence 54.3% (50) among ASD patients and the prevalence of class II and class III were found to be 19.6% (18) and 7.6% (7) respectively. The frequency of malocclusions traits of deep bite, cross bite and the open bite were 27.2% (25), 18.5% (17) and 7.6% (7) respectively. Among of the total patients, 65.2% (60) showed normal bite and 18/5% (17) showed Normal occlusion. Conclusion: ASD patients showed class I, class II and class III malocclusions from the most to least frequency and the most frequent malocclusion traits were also deep bite, cross bite and open bite respectively.

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Erythrocyte membrane fluidity and indices of plasmatic oxidative damage after acute physical exercise in humans

European Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1007/s00421-010-1738-6 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 111 (6) ◽

pp. 1127-1133 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

C. Berzosa ◽

E. M. Gómez–Trullén ◽

E. Piedrafita ◽

I. Cebrián ◽

E. Martínez–Ballarín ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Exercise ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Membrane Fluidity ◽

Erythrocyte Membrane ◽

Erythrocyte Membrane Fluidity ◽

Acute Physical Exercise ◽

Exercise In Humans

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Future Directions in Reducing Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children With ASD Using Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology ◽

10.3389/fcimb.2021.630052 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Paulina Żebrowska ◽

Izabela Łaczmańska ◽

Łukasz Łaczmański

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Patients ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Gi Symptoms ◽

Inflammatory Bowel ◽

Age Range

Research on the use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of disorders related to digestive system ailments in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is a new attempt in a therapeutic approach. There are very little scientific evidences available on this emerging alternative method. However, it appears to be interesting not only because of its primary outcome, relieving the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but also secondary therapeutic effect of alleviating autistic behavioral symptoms. FMT seems to be also promising method in the treatment of another group of pediatric patients, children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study is to discuss the potential use of FMT and modified protocols (MTT, microbiota transfer therapy) in the treatment of GI disorders in ASD children supported by reports on another disease, IBD concerning pediatric patients. Due to the few reports of the use of FMT in the treatment of children, these two patients groups were selected, although suffering from distant health conditions: neurodevelopmental disorder and gastrointestinal tract diseases, because of the the fact that they seem related in aspects of the presence of GI symptoms, disturbed intestinal microbiota, unexplained etiology of the condition and age range of patients. Although the outcomes for all are promising, this type of therapy is still an under-researched topic, studies in the group of pediatric patients are sparse, also there is a high risk of transmission of infectious and noninfectious elements during the procedure and no long-term effects on global health are known. For those reasons all obtained results should be taken with a great caution. However, in the context of future therapeutic directions for GI observed in neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, the topic seems worthy of attention.

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Aura

Augmented Reality for Enhanced Learning Environments - Advances in Computer and Electrical Engineering ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-5243-7.ch006 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 142-169 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Marva Angélica Mora Lumbreras ◽

Méndez-Trejo María de Lourdes ◽

Sanluis-Ramírez Ariel

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Augmented Reality ◽

Nonverbal Communication ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Repetitive Behaviors ◽

Gps Data ◽

Mobile Augmented Reality ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Augmented Reality Application ◽

Age Range

A person with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Augmented reality (AR) combines reality with virtual aspects such as sound, video, graphics, or GPS data. Specifically, Aura is a mobile augmented reality application applied in the learning of children with ASD with the purpose of helping them in their relationships with the outside world and especially in their learning. Aura consists of five modules and 42 activities. The modules are Learn Basic Shapes, Repeat Basic Habits, Draw, Learn to Write, and Learn Values and Empathy. This project was tested by children of the Angelitos Mios Foundation, located in Apizaco Tlaxcala. The test showed favorable results. Tests were conducted with students in the age range of 4-8 years with ASD. The foundation is currently working on the acquisition of mobile devices for the implementation of Aura.

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Inhibition of microRNA-155 Protects Retinal Function Through Attenuation of Inflammation in Retinal Degeneration

Molecular Neurobiology ◽

10.1007/s12035-020-02158-z ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Riemke Aggio-Bruce ◽

Joshua A. Chu-Tan ◽

Yvette Wooff ◽

Adrian V. Cioanca ◽

Ulrike Schumann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Damage ◽

Retinal Degeneration ◽

Ganglion Cells ◽

Retinal Function ◽

Retinal Ganglion ◽

Retinal Tissue ◽

Inflammatory Conditions ◽

Retinal Degenerative Diseases ◽

Negative Controls

Abstract Although extensively investigated in inflammatory conditions, the role of pro-inflammatory microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-155 and miR-146a, has not been well-studied in retinal degenerative diseases. We therefore aimed to explore the role and regulation of these miRNA in the degenerating retina, with a focus on miR-155. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to photo-oxidative damage for up to 5 days to induce focal retinal degeneration. MiR-155 expression was quantified by qRT-PCR in whole retina, serum, and small-medium extracellular vesicles (s-mEVs), and a PrimeFlow™ assay was used to identify localisation of miR-155 in retinal cells. Constitutive miR-155 knockout (KO) mice and miR-155 and miR-146a inhibitors were utilised to determine the role of these miRNA in the degenerating retina. Electroretinography was employed as a measure of retinal function, while histological quantification of TUNEL+ and IBA1+ positive cells was used to quantify photoreceptor cell death and infiltrating immune cells, respectively. Upregulation of miR-155 was detected in retinal tissue, serum and s-mEVs in response to photo-oxidative damage, localising to the nucleus of a subset of retinal ganglion cells and glial cells and in the cytoplasm of photoreceptors. Inhibition of miR-155 showed increased function from negative controls and a less pathological pattern of IBA1+ cell localisation and morphology at 5 days photo-oxidative damage. While neither dim-reared nor damaged miR-155 KO animals showed retinal histological difference from controls, following photo-oxidative damage, miR-155 KO mice showed increased a-wave relative to controls. We therefore consider miR-155 to be associated with the inflammatory response of the retina in response to photoreceptor-specific degeneration.

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A normative modelling approach reveals age-atypical cortical thickness in a subgroup of males with autism spectrum disorder

Communications Biology ◽

10.1038/s42003-020-01212-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Richard A. I. Bethlehem ◽

Jakob Seidlitz ◽

Rafael Romero-Garcia ◽

Stavros Trakoshis ◽

Guillaume Dumas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cortical Thickness ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Case Control ◽

Small Subset ◽

Typically Developing ◽

Average Case ◽

Age Related ◽

Small Subgroup ◽

Individualized Approach ◽

Age Range

AbstractUnderstanding heterogeneity is an important goal on the path to precision medicine for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We examined how cortical thickness (CT) in ASD can be parameterized as an individualized metric of atypicality relative to typically-developing (TD) age-related norms. Across a large sample (n = 870 per group) and wide age range (5–40 years), we applied normative modelling resulting in individualized whole-brain maps of age-related CT atypicality in ASD and isolating a small subgroup with highly age-atypical CT. Age-normed CT scores also highlights on-average differentiation, and associations with behavioural symptomatology that is separate from insights gleaned from traditional case-control approaches. This work showcases an individualized approach for understanding ASD heterogeneity that could potentially further prioritize work on a subset of individuals with cortical pathophysiology represented in age-related CT atypicality. Only a small subset of ASD individuals are actually highly atypical relative to age-norms. driving small on-average case-control differences.

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