Microbiota, Immune System and Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Integrative Model towards Novel Treatment Options

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (31) ◽  
pp. 5119-5136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Carpita ◽  
Donatella Marazziti ◽  
Lionella Palego ◽  
Gino Giannaccini ◽  
Laura Betti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Familial Aggregation ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Intermediate Phenotypes ◽  
Close Relatives

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition strongly associated with genetic predisposition and familial aggregation. Among ASD patients, different levels of symptoms severity are detectable, while the presence of intermediate autism phenotypes in close relatives of ASD probands is also known in literature. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to environmental factors that might play a role in modulating the relationship between genomic risk and development and severity of ASD. Within this framework, an increasing body of evidence has stressed a possible role of both gut microbiota and inflammation in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopment. The aim of this paper is to review findings about the link between microbiota dysbiosis, inflammation and ASD. Methods: Articles ranging from 1990 to 2018 were identified on PUBMED and Google Scholar databases, with keyword combinations as: microbiota, immune system, inflammation, ASD, autism, broad autism phenotype, adult. Results: Recent evidence suggests that microbiota alterations, immune system and neurodevelopment may be deeply intertwined, shaping each other during early life. However, results from both animal models and human samples are still heterogeneous, while few studies focused on adult patients and ASD intermediate phenotypes. Conclusion: A better understanding of these pathways, within an integrative framework between central and peripheral systems, might not only shed more light on neural basis of ASD symptoms, clarifying brain pathophysiology, but it may also allow to develop new therapeutic strategies for these disorders, still poorly responsive to available treatments.

scholarly journals The Role of Hypoxia and the Immune System in Tumor Radioresistance

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Span ◽  
Jan Bussink
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cost Effective Treatment

Radiotherapy is given to a majority of patients with cancer, and remains one of the most (cost)effective treatment options available [...]

Impact of organizational cultural differences on mergers and acquisitions performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-52
Author(s):  
Kan Shi ◽  
Xiaoqian Liu ◽  
Chengjun Yang ◽  
Ziping Yao ◽  
Dong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Moderator Role ◽  
Relative Standing ◽  
A Performance

Purpose Drawing upon the theory of organizational commitment and relative standing, this study aimed to develop an integrative model to examine how organizational cultural differences impact on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) performance. Design/methodology/approach The study used regression analysis and moderated path analysis to test the hypothesis with a sample of 103 executives from 49 firms acquired by Chinese state-owned enterprises. Findings The paper arrives at the conclusion that the executives’ organizational commitment mediated the association between organizational cultural differences and M&A performance. Besides, the authors also confirmed the moderator role of relative standing. Practical implications The paper suggests ways that can help practitioners better eliminate cultural differences obstacles during the M&A by presenting an integrative framework and showed an actual Chinese case. Originality/value This study contributes to the M&A literature by developing an integrative model to explain the complexity between organizational cultural differences and M&A performance with a Chinese executive sample.

scholarly journals Therapeutic agents currently employed against Covid-19: an effort to control the pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Matías-Pérez ◽  
Alma Dolores Pérez-Santiago ◽  
Marco Antonio Sánchez-Medina ◽  
Iván Antonio García-Montalvo
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Online Search ◽  
All Treatment

AbstractThe disease caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) is characterized by fever and cough, in addition to affecting the lower respiratory tract and being associated with age, comorbidities and a weakened immune system. Lymphopenias occur in severe cases and an excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, which would explain the role of the hyperinflammatory response in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In the absence of treatment for this virus, there is an urgent need to find alternative methods to control the spread of the disease, so we have conducted an online search for all treatment options related to coronavirus infections, as well as some infections due to viruses, general treatments, specific coronavirus treatments and antiviral treatments should be useful in the fight against COVID-19, the therapeutic agents evaluated included chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, tocilizumab, ribavirin, interferons, nelfinavir, ivermectin, monoclonal antibodies and convalescent plasma.

scholarly journals The Role of Cholesterol and Fatty Acids in the Etiology and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3550
Author(s):  
Cecilia Maria Esposito ◽  
Massimiliano Buoli ◽  
Valentina Ciappolino ◽  
Carlo Agostoni ◽  
Paolo Brambilla
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Cholesterol Homeostasis ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Inhibitory Synapses ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
New Treatment

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose pathogenesis seems to be related to an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, which leads to disrupted connectivity during brain development. Among the various biomarkers that have been evaluated in the last years, metabolic factors represent a bridge between genetic vulnerability and environmental aspects. In particular, cholesterol homeostasis and circulating fatty acids seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of ASDs, both through the contribute in the stabilization of cell membranes and the modulation of inflammatory factors. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the available data about the role of cholesterol and fatty acids, mainly long-chain ones, in the onset of ASDs. A bibliographic research on the main databases was performed and 36 studies were included in our review. Most of the studies document a correlation between ASDs and hypocholesterolemia, while the results concerning circulating fatty acids are less univocal. Even though further studies are necessary to confirm the available data, the metabolic biomarkers open to new treatment options such as the modulation of the lipid pattern through the diet.

scholarly journals Reasoning through the Gut: The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and its Role in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreyas Singh ◽  
Avan Erhunmwunsee Dalton
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The United States ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Psychological Conditions ◽  
Core Symptoms

The age-old phrase ‘gut feeling’ is increasingly finding a scientific basis. The human gut houses a massive colony of microorganisms that not only maintain intestinal function, but also have far-reaching connections to the brain through a complicated ‘microbiota-gut-brain’ (MGB) axis. This axis has now been established to have implications in the management of various neuro-psychological conditions including Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition that affects the way people communicate, behave and interact with others. Once considered a rare disorder, it is now estimated to have a prevalence of about 1 in 54 children in the United States. It is unfortunate that the existing cognitive-behavioral therapy protocols for ASD are prolonged and expensive, and that there is no currently approved medication for the core symptoms of the disorder. Scientists are now exploring the MGB axis for establishing possible therapeutic targets to alleviate the symptoms of ASD. This review attempts to highlight how the MGB axis works, and to capture the essence of the mechanisms that implicate the MGB axis in the pathogenesis of ASD. Further research in this direction may convincingly establish the role of novel treatment options for ASD ranging from probiotics and dietary modifications to newer modalities like fecal transplants, vagal nerve stimulation and gene therapy. Microbes, and not just behavioral intervention therapy, may hold the key to treating ASD.   

scholarly journals Critical Role of the Maternal Immune System in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 557
Author(s):  
Davide Ravaccia ◽  
Taravat Ghafourian
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Maternal Immune Activation ◽  
Maternal Immune System ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by impairments in communication, social interaction, and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviours. Over the past decade, most of the research in ASD has focused on the contribution of genetics, with the identification of a variety of different genes and mutations. However, the vast heterogeneity in clinical presentations associated with this disorder suggests that environmental factors may be involved, acting as a “second hit” in already genetically susceptible individuals. To this regard, emerging evidence points towards a role for maternal immune system dysfunctions. This literature review considered evidence from epidemiological studies and aimed to discuss the pathological relevance of the maternal immune system in ASD by looking at the proposed mechanisms by which it alters the prenatal environment. In particular, this review focuses on the effects of maternal immune activation (MIA) by looking at foetal brain-reactive antibodies, cytokines and the microbiome. Despite the arguments presented here that strongly implicate MIA in the pathophysiology of ASD, further research is needed to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which they alter brain structure and behaviour. Overall, this review has not only shown the importance of the maternal immune system as a risk factor for ASD, but more importantly, has highlighted new promising pathways to target for the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of such a life-changing disorder.

scholarly journals The Role of the Immune System in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 284-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amory Meltzer ◽  
Judy Van de Water
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder

scholarly journals Zinc in Gut-Brain Interaction in Autism and Neurological Disorders

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Vela ◽  
Peter Stark ◽  
Michael Socha ◽  
Ann Katrin Sauer ◽  
Simone Hagmeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Zinc Status ◽  
Gut Development ◽  
Brain Functions

A growing amount of research indicates that abnormalities in the gastrointestinal (GI) system during development might be a common factor in multiple neurological disorders and might be responsible for some of the shared comorbidities seen among these diseases. For example, many patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have symptoms associated with GI disorders. Maternal zinc status may be an important factor given the multifaceted effect of zinc on gut development and morphology in the offspring. Zinc status influences and is influenced by multiple factors and an interdependence of prenatal and early life stress, immune system abnormalities, impaired GI functions, and zinc deficiency can be hypothesized. In line with this, systemic inflammatory events and prenatal stress have been reported to increase the risk for ASD. Thus, here, we will review the current literature on the role of zinc in gut formation, a possible link between gut and brain development in ASD and other neurological disorders with shared comorbidities, and tie in possible effects on the immune system. Based on these data, we present a novel model outlining how alterations in the maternal zinc status might pathologically impact the offspring leading to impairments in brain functions later in life.

scholarly journals The impact of lead users on innovation success

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-111
Author(s):  
Reem Marzouki ◽  
Wafa Belkahla
Keyword(s):  
Integrative Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Ks Variables ◽  
Lead Users ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of lead users (LUs) on innovation success by proposing and validating an integrative model that links LUs, innovation success and knowledge sharing (KS) variables. Design/methodology/approach The authors research is quantitative in nature and data were collected through a survey conducted among 30 information technology Tunisian companies. The authors preliminary analysis was explored using the “SPSS” software and processed through exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis methods. Findings Results showed that LUs who possess advanced skills and valuable knowledge can contribute to enhance new successful innovations, and hence, enable companies to gain short and long-term profits. Besides, the authors confirmed that the impact of LUs on innovation success is mediated by the “KS” behavior. Practical implications An integrative framework that links LUs, innovation success and a third variable called KS is presented to see beyond the intended importance of this type of user regarding the development of new innovations. Originality/value The paper offers new insights to the topic of LUs by emphasizing the role of “KS” variable in strengthening the LUs – innovation success relationship.

scholarly journals Critical review on role of Microbiota transfer therapy in Autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 2095-2114
Author(s):  
Hemalakshmi R ◽  
Pavithra Amritkumar
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intestinal Microbiome ◽  
The Brain

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects behaviour and communication. It can be diagnosed at any age, although the symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. Autism is also known as a "spectrum" disorder because there is wide variation in the severity and type of patient experience. Intestinal dysbiosis remains a risk factor for several neuron-developmental disorders and physiological diseases such as ASD. The gut microbiome in human influence the total metabolomic profile and thus has an impact on the overall health of human. The brain-intestinal axis concept demonstrates the interaction between the brain and the diverse gut microbial population. Recent findings show that ASD symptoms in affected individuals are linked with the altered intestinal microbiome. The current treatment modality for the symptoms of ASD are limited to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and FDA approved medications like Risperidone and Aripiprazole. Individuals with ASD appear to be susceptible to adverse effects of these medications. Current accumulating studies indicate that Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT) is a promising technique for treating ASD. MTT involves in vitro batch culture of gut microbiota, which is viewed as a quick and accessible method. It has provided encouraging results by improving ASD-related gastrointestinal (GI) and behavioural symptoms in affected individuals. The present review focuses on the link between gut dysbiosis and ASD, analyses the available clinical studies related to various treatment options and describes the role of MTT as a promising therapy of bringing back the healthy gut microbiota composition in treating ASD.

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