13 juin 2017

Une revue systématique et une méta-analyse de la formation des parents pour le comportement perturbateur chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme"

Aperçu: G.M.
La formation des parents (PT) est apparue comme un traitement prometteur pour les comportements perturbateurs chez les enfants  avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme" (TSA) .
Cette revue résume les éléments essentiels de PT pour les comportements perturbateurs chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA et évalue les données probantes disponibles pour la PT en utilisant des procédures descriptives et méta-analytiques. Nous avons recherché les bases de données Medline, PsycINFO et PubMed (1980-2016) dans des revues évaluées par des pairs pour des essais contrôlés randomisés (ECR) de PT pour un comportement perturbateur chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA.
La recherche systématique des 2023 publications a donné huit ECR impliquant un total de 653 participants.
Les résultats confirment l'efficacité de PT pour les comportements perturbateurs chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de TS. Dans ces huit études, il y avait une hétérogénéité significative dans l'effet de PT sur le comportement perturbateur. Cette variabilité est probablement due à des différences dans la taille de l'échantillon, le nombre de séances de traitement, la durée de l'étude et l'état de contrôle utilisé. Les résultats actuels fournissent un soutien solide pour l'efficacité de PT pour les comportements perturbateurs chez les enfants  avec un diagnostic de TSA.

Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2017 Jun 9. doi: 10.1007/s10567-017-0237-2.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Parent Training for Disruptive Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Author information

1
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1920 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA.
2
Marcus Autism Center, 1920 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA.
3
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle Children's Autism Center, University of Washington, 4909 25th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, USA.
4
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1920 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA. lawrence.scahill@emory.edu.
5
Marcus Autism Center, 1920 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA. lawrence.scahill@emory.edu.

Abstract

Parent training (PT) has emerged as a promising treatment for disruptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review summarizes the essential elements of PT for disruptive behavior in children with ASD and evaluates the available evidence for PT using both descriptive and meta-analytic procedures. We searched Medline, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases (1980-2016) in peer-reviewed journals for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PT for disruptive behavior in children with ASD. The systematic search of 2023 publications yielded eight RCTs involving a total of 653 participants. We calculated effect sizes using either raw post-treatment means and standard deviations for each treatment group (PT and control) or group mean differences with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Differences in post-treatment means were converted to a standardized difference in means (SMD) for each primary outcome. Results support the efficacy of PT for disruptive behavior in children with ASD, with a SMD of -0.59 [95% CI (-0.88, -0.30); p < 0.001]. Across these eight studies, there was significant heterogeneity in the effect of PT on disruptive behavior. This variability is likely due to differences in sample size, number of treatment sessions, study duration, and control condition employed. Current findings provide solid support for the efficacy of PT for disruptive behavior in children with ASD. Future studies should focus on effectiveness trials to promote wider implementation of PT in clinical settings.
PMID:28600643
DOI:10.1007/s10567-017-0237-2

Les difficultés de représentation corporelle chez les enfants et les adolescents "avec autisme" peuvent être attribuables au développement différé de la liaison temporelle visuo-tactile

Aperçu: G.M.
Des recherches récentes suggèrent que la liaison visuo-tactile est temporairement étendue dans les "troubles du spectre de l'autisme", bien qu'il ne soit pas clair si cela sous-tend spécifiquement une représentation corporelle altérée dans cette population.
Dans l'étude actuelle, des enfants et les adolescents avec un diagnostic de TSA, et des contrôles  au développement typique, ont placé leur main dans le système de réalité médiée (MIRAGE) et ont vu deux images vidéo en direct identiques de leur propre main droite. Une image se trouvait dans l'emplacement correctement correct (main à la verticale) et l'autre était déplacée de part et d'autre. Alors que la rétroaction visuo-tactile a été appliquée par pinceau au doigt droit du participant (invisible), ils ont vu une image de main recevant des coups de pince synchrones et les autres recevaient des coups de pinceaux avec un retard temporel (60, 180 et 300 ms). Après le brossage, les deux images ont disparu de la vue et les participants ont pointé une cible, avec la direction de mouvement indiquant quelle main a été incarnée. Les participants avec TSA, comme les témoins plus jeunes, ont montré une forme de réalisation réduite d'incarnation spatiale incongrue, mais temporellement congruente de la main, comparé aux contrôles chronologiquement appariés selon l'âge avec des retards temporels plus courts. 

Dev Cogn Neurosci. 2017 Apr 27. pii: S1878-9293(16)30177-3. doi: 10.1016/j.dcn.2017.04.007.

Body representation difficulties in children and adolescents with autism may be due to delayed development of visuo-tactile temporal binding

Author information

1
School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. Electronic address: danielle.ropar@nottingham.ac.uk.
2
School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. Electronic address: lpxkg1@nottingham.ac.uk.
3
School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. Electronic address: Alastair.smith@nottingham.ac.uk.
4
Department of Psychology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK. Electronic address: mac541@york.ac.uk.
5
School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. Electronic address: roger.newport@nottingham.ac.uk.

Abstract

Recent research suggests visuo-tactile binding is temporally extended in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), although it is not clear whether this specifically underlies altered body representation in this population. In the current study children and adolescents with ASD, and typically developing controls, placed their hand into mediated reality system (MIRAGE) and saw two identical live video images of their own right hand. One image was in the proprioceptively correct location (veridical hand) and the other was displaced to either side. While visuo-tactile feedback was applied via brushstroke to the participant's (unseen) right finger, they viewed one hand image receiving synchronous brushstrokes and the other receiving brushstrokes with a temporal delay (60, 180 and 300ms). After brushing, both images disappeared from view and participants pointed to a target, with direction of movement indicating which hand was embodied. ASD participants, like younger mental aged-matched controls, showed reduced embodiment of the spatially incongruent, but temporally congruent, hand compared to chronologically age-matched controls at shorter temporal delays. This suggests development of visuo-tactile integration may be delayed in ASD. Findings are discussed in relation to atypical body representation in ASD and how this may contribute to social and sensory difficulties within this population.

PMID:28601369
DOI:10.1016/j.dcn.2017.04.007

Profil du comportement de conduite des conducteurs avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme" (TSA)

Traduction : G.M.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Jun 5. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3178-1.

Driving Behaviour Profile of Drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Author information

1
School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia. Derserri.chee@curtin.edu.au.
2
School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
3
Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Stockholm, Sweden.
4
Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences (IMH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University & Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Linkoping, Sweden.

Abstract

La symptomatologie du "trouble du spectre de l'autisme" (TSA) peut rendre la conduite dangereuse, mais on sait peu de choses sur le comportement de conduite sur route des personnes avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme".
Cette étude a évalué et comparé les performances de conduite sur route des conducteurs avec et sans TSA, et a exploré comment la symptomatologie du TSA entrave ou facilite les performances de conduite sur route. 
Seize conducteurs avec TSA et 21 conducteurs au développement typique ont participé à l'étude. Les conducteurs avec TSA ont été moins performants dans les manœuvres des véhicules, en particulier aux virages à gauche, à droite et aux passages pour piétons. Cependant, les pilotes avec TSA ont surpassé le groupe TD dans des aspects liés au suivi des règles, comme l'utilisation du clignotant aux ronds-points et la vérification du trafic croisé lors de l'approche des intersections. Les conducteurs avec TSA dans l'étude actuelle ont présenté une gamme de capacités et de faiblesses pendant la conduite. 

The symptomatology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make driving risky, but little is known about the on-road driving behaviour of individuals with ASD. This study assessed and compared the on-road driving performance of drivers with and without ASD, and explored how the symptomatology of ASD hinders or facilitates on-road driving performance. Sixteen drivers with ASD and 21 typically-developed drivers participated in the study. Drivers with ASD underperformed in vehicle manoeuvring, especially at left-turns, right-turns and pedestrian crossings. However, drivers with ASD outperformed the TD group in aspects related to rule-following such as using the indicator at roundabouts and checking for cross-traffic when approaching intersections. Drivers with ASD in the current study presented with a range of capabilities and weaknesses during driving.
PMID: 28585117
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3178-1

12 juin 2017

"Trouble du spectre de l'autisme": neuropathologie et modèles animaux

Aperçu: G.M.
Le "trouble du spectre de l'autisme"  (TSA) a un impact majeur sur le développement et l'intégration sociale des personnes touchées et est le plus héritable des troubles psychiatriques. Une augmentation de l'incidence des cas de TSA a provoqué une poussée des efforts de recherche sur les processus neuropathologiques sous-jacents. L'équipe présente un aperçu des résultats actuels dans les études sur la neuropathologie des TSA en utilisant deux approches expérimentales, les cerveaux humains post-mortem et les modèles animaux de TSA, et discute des chevauchements, des limites et de la signification de chacun.
L'examen post-mortem des cerveaux TSA a révélé des changements globaux, y compris des matières grasses et blanches désorganisées, un nombre accru de neurones, une diminution du volume de soma neuronal  et une augmentation du neuropil (Note de trad. source Wikipédia: le neuropile est la partie du tissu nerveux située entre les principales cellules constituant la substance grise du système nerveux central. ), les derniers changements dans les densités des épines dendritiques, la vascularisation cérébrale et la glie. Les zones corticales et non corticales montrent des anomalies spécifiques  dans la morphologie neuronale et l'organisation cytoarchitecturale, avec des résultats cohérents rapportés pour le cortex préfrontal, le gyrus fusiforme, le cortex fronto-intestinal, le cortex cingulé, l'hippocampe, l'amygdale, le cervelet et le tronc cérébral. 
Les modèles animaux génétiquement modifiés comprennent ceux basés sur des gènes ASD monogènes bien étudiés (NLGN3, NLGN4, NRXN1, CNTNAP2, SHANK3, MECP2, FMR1, TSC1 / 2), les nouveaux gènes de risque (CHD8, SCN2A, SYNGAP1, ARID1B, GRIN2B, DSCAM, TBR1 ) et les variations du nombre de copie (suppression 15q11-q13, microdélétion 15q13.3, duplication 15q11-13, suppression 16p11.2 et duplication, suppression 22q11.2). 
 

Acta Neuropathol. 2017 Jun 5. doi: 10.1007/s00401-017-1736-4.

Autism spectrum disorder: neuropathology and animal models

Author information

1
Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
2
Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
3
Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
4
Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Children and Teenagers, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, CH-1205, Switzerland.
5
Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
6
Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
7
Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA. patrick.hof@mssm.edu.
8
Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA. patrick.hof@mssm.edu.
9
Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA. patrick.hof@mssm.edu.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a major impact on the development and social integration of affected individuals and is the most heritable of psychiatric disorders. An increase in the incidence of ASD cases has prompted a surge in research efforts on the underlying neuropathologic processes. We present an overview of current findings in neuropathology studies of ASD using two investigational approaches, postmortem human brains and ASD animal models, and discuss the overlap, limitations, and significance of each. Postmortem examination of ASD brains has revealed global changes including disorganized gray and white matter, increased number of neurons, decreased volume of neuronal soma, and increased neuropil, the last reflecting changes in densities of dendritic spines, cerebral vasculature and glia. Both cortical and non-cortical areas show region-specific abnormalities in neuronal morphology and cytoarchitectural organization, with consistent findings reported from the prefrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, frontoinsular cortex, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum and brainstem. The paucity of postmortem human studies linking neuropathology to the underlying etiology has been partly addressed using animal models to explore the impact of genetic and non-genetic factors clinically relevant for the ASD phenotype. Genetically modified models include those based on well-studied monogenic ASD genes (NLGN3, NLGN4, NRXN1, CNTNAP2, SHANK3, MECP2, FMR1, TSC1/2), emerging risk genes (CHD8, SCN2A, SYNGAP1, ARID1B, GRIN2B, DSCAM, TBR1), and copy number variants (15q11-q13 deletion, 15q13.3 microdeletion, 15q11-13 duplication, 16p11.2 deletion and duplication, 22q11.2 deletion). Models of idiopathic ASD include inbred rodent strains that mimic ASD behaviors as well as models developed by environmental interventions such as prenatal exposure to sodium valproate, maternal autoantibodies, and maternal immune activation. In addition to replicating some of the neuropathologic features seen in postmortem studies, a common finding in several animal models of ASD is altered density of dendritic spines, with the direction of the change depending on the specific genetic modification, age and brain region. Overall, postmortem neuropathologic studies with larger sample sizes representative of the various ASD risk genes and diverse clinical phenotypes are warranted to clarify putative etiopathogenic pathways further and to promote the emergence of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In addition, as genetic alterations may render certain individuals more vulnerable to developing the pathological changes at the synapse underlying the behavioral manifestations of ASD, neuropathologic investigation using genetically modified animal models will help to improve our understanding of the disease mechanisms and enhance the development of targeted treatments.

PMID: 28584888
DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1736-4

Déficit thalamocortical dans le "trouble du spectre de l'autisme": une analyse de l'échange de données sur l'imagerie du cerveau autistique

Aperçu: G.M.
Les personnes avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) présentent des différences dans le traitement sensorimoteur de base ainsi que dans l'excitabilité corticale générale. Ces observations convergent pour impliquer la connectivité thalamocortique en tant que mécanisme neuronal unifiant potentiel. L'objectif de cette étude était de clarifier les résultats mitigés sur la connectivité fonctionnelle thalamocortique dans un grand échantillon d'individus avec un diagnostic de TSA.
À l'aide de l'échange de données sur l'imagerie cérébrale au autisme (ABIDE), l'équipe a examiné la connectivité fonctionnelle thalamocorticale chez 228 personnes avec un diagnostic de TSA et chez un groupe de comparaison assorti de 228 individus au développement typique.
Le cortex préfrontal, le lobe temporal et le cortex sensorimoteur ont montré une hyper-connectivité avec le thalamus dans les TSA. Dans l'analyse du cerveau complet, l'hyper-connectivité de plusieurs zones thalamiques comprenait des zones corticales multiples, mais a eu tendance à converger dans les zones corticales temporelles, y compris la jonction temporopariétale. Les analyses de suivi des effets sur l'âge ont révélé que les anomalies de connectivité dans les TSA étaient plus prononcées chez les adolescents que chez les enfants et les adultes.  

Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2017 Jan;2(1):76-84. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2016.09.002.

Thalamocortical dysconnectivity in autism spectrum disorder: An analysis of the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange

Author information

1
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.
2
Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit differences in basic sensorimotor processing as well as general cortical excitability. These observations converge to implicate thalamocortical connectivity as a potential unifying neural mechanism. The goal of this study was to clarify mixed findings on thalamocortical functional connectivity in a large sample of individuals with ASD.

METHODS:

Using the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE), we examined thalamocortical functional connectivity in 228 individuals with ASD and a matched comparison group of 228 typically developing individuals. In order to fully characterize thalamocortical functional networks, we employed complementary seed-based approaches that examined connectivity of major cortical divisions (e.g. prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe) with the thalamus and whole-brain connectivity of specific thalamic sub-regions.

RESULTS:

Prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, and sensorimotor cortex exhibited hyper-connectivity with the thalamus in ASD. In the whole-brain analysis, hyper-connectivity of several thalamic seeds included multiple cortical areas, but tended to converge in temporal cortical areas, including the temporoparietal junction. Follow-up analyses of age effects revealed that the connectivity abnormalities in ASD were more pronounced in adolescents compared to children and adults.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results confirm previous findings of temporal and motor thalamocortical hyper-connectivity in ASD, and extend them to include somatosensory and prefrontal cortex. While not directly addressable with the data available in ABIDE, this widespread hyper-connectivity could theoretically account for sensorimotor symptoms and general cortical excitability in ASD. Future studies should target comprehensive clinical and behavioral characterization in combination with functional connectivity in order to explore this possibility.
PMID: 28584881
PMCID: PMC5455796  [Available on 2018-01-01]
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2016.09.002

Méta-analyse à l'échelle du génome de l'empathie cognitive: héritabilité et corrélée au sexe, aux troubles neuropsychiatriques et à la cognition

Aperçu: G.M.
L'équipe a mené une méta-analyse du génome de l'empathie cognitive en utilisant le test «Lecture de l'esprit dans le regard» chez 88 056 bénévoles d'ascendance européenne (44 574 femmes et 43 482 hommes). Ils ont confirmé un avantage féminin sur le test des yeux (Cohen's d = 0,21, P <2,2 × 10-16) et identifié un locus dans 3p26.1 qui est associé à des scores sur le test des yeux chez les femmes.
Les polymorphismes nucléotidiques simples ont expliqué 5,8% (IC 95%: 4,5% -7,2%; P = 1,00 × 10-17) de la variance totale des caractères chez les deux sexes et l'équipe a identifié une héritabilité de 28% chez les jumeaux(IC 95%: 13 % -42%). Enfin, elle a identifié une corrélation génétique significative entre le test des yeux et l'anorexie mentale, l'ouverture (Inventaire du facteur NEO-Five) et différentes mesures du niveau de scolarité et de l'aptitude cognitive. 


Mol Psychiatry. 2017 Jun 6. doi: 10.1038/mp.2017.122.

Genome-wide meta-analysis of cognitive empathy: heritability, and correlates with sex, neuropsychiatric conditions and cognition

Author information

1
Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
2
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
3
Department of Psychology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
4
CNRS UMR 3571: Genes, Synapses and Cognition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
5
Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Paris, France.
6
Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
7
Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
8
NIHR Cambridge BioResource, Cambridge University and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
9
23andMe Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA.
10
Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
11
EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
12
Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
13
Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, USA.
14
Political Science, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
15
CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), Cambridgeshire, UK.

Abstract

We conducted a genome-wide meta-analysis of cognitive empathy using the 'Reading the Mind in the Eyes' Test (Eyes Test) in 88,056 research volunteers of European Ancestry (44,574 females and 43,482 males) from 23andMe Inc., and an additional 1497 research volunteers of European Ancestry (891 females and 606 males) from the Brisbane Longitudinal Twin Study. We confirmed a female advantage on the Eyes Test (Cohen's d=0.21, P<2.2 × 10-16), and identified a locus in 3p26.1 that is associated with scores on the Eyes Test in females (rs7641347, Pmeta=1.58 × 10-8). Common single nucleotide polymorphisms explained 5.8% (95% CI: 4.5%-7.2%; P=1.00 × 10-17) of the total trait variance in both sexes, and we identified a twin heritability of 28% (95% CI: 13%-42%). Finally, we identified significant genetic correlation between the Eyes Test and anorexia nervosa, openness (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), and different measures of educational attainment and cognitive aptitude.Molecular Psychiatry advance online publication, 6 June 2017; doi:10.1038/mp.2017.122.
PMID:28584286
DOI:10.1038/mp.2017.122

Cellules souches embryonnaires humaines dans le traitement de l'autisme: une série de cas

Aperçu: G.M.
Le "trouble du spectre de l'autisme" est un trouble du développement neurologique accompagné d'un système immunitaire faible et d'une neuroinflammation. Plusieurs facteurs contribuent à l'étiologie du "trouble du spectre de l'autisme", y compris les troubles génétiques, les substances / toxines environnementales, le système immunitaire déséquilibré, l'encéphalite et les infections virales. Le "trouble du spectre de l'autisme" est une affection incurable; Cependant, il peut être géré par des interventions éducatives et médicales. La thérapie cellulaire souche embryonnaire humaine a été démontrée comme pouvant améliorer la perfusion sanguine dans le cerveau; Ainsi, cette thérapie peut être efficace pour améliorer les compétences motrices, les compétences sociales et la cognition chez les patients avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme.
Les 3  patients de l'étude après une thérapie par cellules souches embryonnaires humaines ont montré des améliorations dans la coordination des yeux, l'écriture, l'équilibre, la cognition et la parole et ont montré une hypersensibilité réduite aux bruits et aux odeurs.  
Des études avec une taille d'échantillon plus grande sont nécessaires pour soutenir l'utilisation de la thérapie cellulaire embryonnaire humaine dans cette population de patients.

Innov Clin Neurosci. 2017 Apr 1;14(3-4):12-16. eCollection 2017 Mar-Apr.

Human Embryonic Stem Cells in the Treatment of Autism: A Case Series

Author information

1
Dr. Shroff is Director of Nutech Mediworld in New Delhi, India.

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder accompanied by weak immune system and neuroinflammation. Multiple factors contribute to etiology of autism spectrum disorder including genetic disorders, environmental substances/toxins, imbalanced immune system, encephalitis, and viral infections. Autism spectrum disorder is an incurable disease; however, it can be managed by educational and medical interventions. Human embryonic stem cell therapy has been shown to improve blood perfusion in the brain; thus, this therapy may be effective in improving motor skills, social skills, and cognition in patients with autism spectrum disorder. Method: Three pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder were administered human embryonic stem cell therapy. Their treatment plan comprised 3 to 4 therapy sessions (T1, T2, T3, T4) that were 4 to 6 weeks in length, with 4- to 8-month gap phases separating each therapy session. Results: The patients showed improvements in eye coordination, writing, balancing, cognition, and speech and showed reduced hypersensitivity to noises and smells. Conclusion: The use of human embryonic stem cell therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with autism spectrum disorder. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed to support the use of human embryonic stem cell therapy in this patient population.

PMID:28584692
PMCID: PMC5451033

L'hormone stimulant la thyroïde et les niveaux d'interleukine-8 chez les garçons avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme"

Aperçu: G.M.
Le "trouble du spectre de l'autisme" (TSA) affecte environ 1 enfant sur 68 aux États-Unis. Un biomarqueur TSA sanguin peut permettre un diagnostic précoce et / ou l'identification de nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques. Les échantillons de sérum provenant de garçons avec un diagnostic de TSA (TSA) ou avec un développement typique (TD) (n = 30 / groupe) ont été dépistés pour détecter les différences dans 110 protéines. 
L'équipe a trouvé onze protéines qui, ensemble, pouvaient confirmer les TSA avec une précision modeste. Deux des 11 protéines identifiées ici ont été testées en utilisant une plate-forme de détection différente et avec un échantillon plus important de garçons TSA et TD. Les deux protéines, l'hormone stimulant la thyroïde (TSH) et l'interleukine-8 (IL-8) ont été précédemment identifiées comme des biomarqueurs putatifs pour les TSA. Les taux de TSH étaient significativement plus faibles chez les garçons TSA, alors que les taux d'IL-8 étaient significativement élevés.
 


J Neuroinflammation. 2017 Jun 2;14(1):113. doi: 10.1186/s12974-017-0888-4.

Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and interleukin-8 levels in boys with autism spectrum disorder

Author information

1
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA.
2
Present Address: Toxicology Division, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow, 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India.
3
Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
4
The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development, 1700 Rio Grande St., Austin, TX, 78701, USA.
5
Abacist Analytics, LLC, Austin, TX, 78701, USA.
6
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA. dwight.german@utsouthwestern.edu.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 68 children in the USA. An ASD blood biomarker may enable early diagnosis and/or identification of new therapeutic targets. Serum samples from ASD and typically developing (TD) boys (n = 30/group) were screened for differences in 110 proteins using a multiplex immunoassay.

RESULTS:

Eleven proteins were found that together could confirm ASD with modest accuracy using multiple training and test sets. Two of the 11 proteins identified here were further tested using a different detection platform and with a larger sample of ASD and TD boys. The two proteins, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), have been previously identified as putative biomarkers for ASD. TSH levels were significantly lower in ASD boys, whereas IL-8 levels were significantly elevated. The diagnostic accuracy for ASD based upon TSH or IL-8 levels alone varied from 74 to 76%, but using both proteins together, the diagnostic accuracy increased to 82%. In addition, TSH levels were negatively correlated with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule subdomain scores.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data suggest that a panel of proteins may be useful as a putative blood biomarker for ASD.

PMID: 28577577
PMCID:PMC5457729
DOI:10.1186/s12974-017-0888-4

Protocole d'étude du ASD-Net, le consortium de recherche allemand pour l'étude du trouble du spectre autistique tout au long de la vie: d'une meilleure compréhension étiologique, par un diagnostic valide, à des soins de santé plus efficaces

Aperçu: G.M.
Le "trouble du spectre de l'autisme" (TSA) est un trouble neurologique sévère et durable qui a un début précoce qui constitue un lourd fardeau pour les personnes touchées et leurs familles. En raison de la nécessité de services de santé, d'éducation et de formation professionnelle hautement spécialisés, la TSA est un trouble à forte intensité de coût et la tension sur les systèmes de soins de santé augmente avec l'âge de l'individu touché.
Le TSA-Net étudiera la plus grande cohorte de patients atteints de TSA en Allemagne pendant la durée de vie. En combinant l'expertise méthodologique de tous les niveaux de recherche clinique, l'ASD-Net suivra une approche translationnelle nécessaire pour identifier les voies neurobiologiques de différents phénotypes et leur identification et traitement appropriés.
 


BMC Psychiatry. 2017 Jun 2;17(1):206. doi: 10.1186/s12888-017-1362-7.

Study protocol of the ASD-Net, the German research consortium for the study of Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan: from a better etiological understanding, through valid diagnosis, to more effective health care

Author information

1
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany. kampbeck@med.uni-marburg.de
2
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
3
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
4
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
5
Faculty of Medicine, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
6
Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of the Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
7
Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
8
Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
9
Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
10
Department of Clinical Psychology Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany.
11
Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
12
Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany.
13
Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Medical Faculty Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
14
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a severe, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with early onset that places a heavy burden on affected individuals and their families. Due to the need for highly specialized health, educational and vocational services, ASD is a cost-intensive disorder, and strain on health care systems increases with increasing age of the affected individual.

METHODS:

The ASD-Net will study Germany's largest cohort of patients with ASD over the lifespan. By combining methodological expertise from all levels of clinical research, the ASD-Net will follow a translational approach necessary to identify neurobiological pathways of different phenotypes and their appropriate identification and treatment. The work of the ASD-Net will be organized into three clusters concentrating on diagnostics, therapy and health economics. In the diagnostic cluster, data from a large, well-characterized sample (N = 2568) will be analyzed to improve the efficiency of diagnostic procedures. Pattern classification methods (machine learning) will be used to identify algorithms for screening purposes. In a second step, the developed algorithm will be tested in an independent sample. In the therapy cluster, we will unravel how an ASD-specific social skills training with concomitant oxytocin administration can modulate behavior through neurobiological pathways. For the first time, we will characterize long-term effects of a social skills training combined with oxytocin treatment on behavioral and neurobiological phenotypes. Also acute effects of oxytocin will be investigated to delineate general and specific effects of additional oxytocin treatment in order to develop biologically plausible models for symptoms and successful therapeutic interventions in ASD. Finally, in the health economics cluster, we will assess service utilization and ASD-related costs in order to identify potential needs and cost savings specifically tailored to Germany. The ASD-Net has been established as part of the German Research Network for Mental Disorders, funded by the BMBF (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research).

DISCUSSION:

The highly integrated structure of the ASD-Net guarantees sustained collaboration of clinicians and researchers to alleviate individual distress, harm, and social disability of patients with ASD and reduce costs to the German health care system.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

Both clinical trials of the ASD-Net are registered in the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00008952 (registered on August 4, 2015) and DRKS00010053 (registered on April 8, 2016).

KEYWORDS:

ASD-net; Autism spectrum disorder; Diagnosis; Genetic; German research network for mental disorders; Health economics; Oxytocin; Screening; Social competence training; Therapy
PMID:28577550
PMCID:PMC5455122
DOI:10.1186/s12888-017-1362-7