OBJECTIVE:Understanding the molecular mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its psychiatric comorbidities, including bipolar disorder (BD), is pivotal for uncovering pathways that shape neurodevelopmental trajectories and clinical heterogeneity. We aimed to identify ASD-specific gene-expression signatures and disrupted biological processes in prefrontal cortex, contrasting them with those observed in BD. METHODS:We performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of RNA-seq datasets from postmortem prefrontal cortex samples of individuals with ASD or BD and controls. Differential expression was assessed with DESeq2, including batch as a covariate in the BD model. Functional interpretation used Gene Ontology over-representation analysis, KEGG Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and gene-concept network visualization. RESULTS:ASD samples showed 45 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), mainly downregulated non-coding RNAs, particularly small nuclear RNAs and small nucleolar RNAs. Enrichment analysis indicated a convergent profile related to RNA processing, spliceosome assembly and spliceosomal activity. In contrast, BD showed 12 candidate DEGs, mostly upregulated protein-coding genes. BD enrichment involved metal ion response and detoxification, amine and peptide hormone responses, vascular regulation and hydrolase activity, with genes associated with neuroinflammation such as SERPINA3 and CHI3L1 contributing to this profile. No shared DEGs or enriched GO Biological Process terms were observed between ASD and BD. CONCLUSION:These results support transcriptomic divergence in the prefrontal cortex, with ASD characterized by spliceosomal dysregulation, contrasting with metal ion response, vascular regulation and inflammation-associated signals in BD. Our findings provide a transcriptomic framework for future studies investigating disorder-specific molecular mechanisms and candidate signatures in ASD and BD.
INTRODUCTION:Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition; however, literature regarding its manifestation in old age remains scarce. OBJECTIVE:To synthesize descriptive studies on the clinical characteristics of ASD in the elderly, aiming to improve diagnosis and quality of life. METHODOLOGY:This is a scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and reported according to PRISMA-ScR. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE/PUBMED and SCIELO databases, covering the period from 2011 to 2026, focusing on descriptive studies with participants aged over 50 years. Ultimately, 18 articles were selected and analyzed. RESULTS:The evolution of autism symptoms proved to be complex and non-linear; while some behaviors and psychiatric symptoms tend to decline with age, social difficulties may persist or worsen. From a cognitive perspective, data suggest an aging pattern parallel to neurotypicals, although there are reports of specific deficits in working memory and attention. An alarming burden of psychiatric comorbidities was identified, highlighting depression and high rates of suicidality, as well as significant clinical comorbidities. CONCLUSION:Older adults with ASD constitute a vulnerable population. There is an urgent need for prospective longitudinal studies to adequately map the aging trajectories of this population.
INTRODUCTION:Serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration has been associated with PPD in previous studies. However, whether there is a dose-response relationship and if its supplementation during pregnancy can improve symptoms after delivery remains unclear. METHODS:Five databases were searched on September 27, 2025. Cohort studies were included for dose-response meta-analysis (DRMA), while randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included for meta-analysis (MA) of supplementation. The outcome for MA of supplementation was postpartum Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score using the effect measure of mean difference (MD), while the outcome for DRMA was the odds ratio (OR) of PPD after delivery. Certainty was assessed using GRADE for MA of supplementation. RESULTS:Only two prospective cohort studies were included for DRMA and two RCTs were included for MA of supplementation. There was a significant log linear dose-response relationship between 25(OH)D serum concentration and developing PPD with β = -0.0256 (95% CI = -0.0454 to -0.0057). Every 10 nmol/L increase was associated with OR = 0.77 (95% CI = 0.63 to 0.94). Meta-analysis found a significant reduction in EPDS scores at 4 weeks after delivery (MD = -2.70; 95% CI = -3.68 to -1.71; low certainty). CONCLUSION:Vitamin D serum concentration during pregnancy might be log linearly associated with developing PPD after delivery and its supplementation during pregnancy may improve PPD symptoms at 4 weeks postpartum. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously as evidence is limited to the small number of studies.
OBJECTIVE:To systematically synthesize evidence on the psychobiological effects of music therapy and structured musical interventions on biomarkers in individuals with mental disorders, within a psychoneuroimmunological framework. METHODS:This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, LILACS, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library up to October 2025. Studies with individuals aged ≥16 years, psychiatric diagnoses, and both psychological and biomarker outcomes were eligible. Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for sufficient, comparable data. RESULTS:Cortisol was the only biomarker with sufficient data for meta-analysis (n=4). Results showed no significant effect on cortisol levels (SMD = -0.18; 95% CI = -0.96 to 0.59), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 88.7%). Exploratory analyses indicated more consistent responses in autonomic and inflammatory biomarkers than endocrine markers. Psychological outcomes showed greater improvement consistency across studies, even without short-term physiological changes. Findings must be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of studies and high heterogeneity. CONCLUSION:Psychobiological effects of music therapy and musical interventions vary by intervention, design, and population. Despite heterogeneity and limited quantitative data, findings support the clinical relevance of these interventions. More standardized, biomarker-informed research is needed to clarify underlying mechanisms.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether participation in a multicomponent physical exercise program is associated with longitudinal changes in craving, cognition, and self-esteem among inpatients with crack cocaine use disorder. METHODS:This prospective, naturalistic, non-randomized longitudinal study included 37 inpatients with crack cocaine use disorder classified into an exercise group (EG, n = 21) or non-exercise group (NEG, n = 16) based on participation in the institutional exercise program. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 5, and week 10. Outcomes included global cognition (MMSE), executive function (TMT-A/B), self-esteem (RSE), and craving (CCQ-Brief). Longitudinal data were analyzed using repeated-measures models. RESULTS:No significant group-by-time interactions were observed for cognition or self-esteem, although both groups improved over time. In the primary analysis, a significant group-by-time interaction was observed for craving (p = 0.034), with greater reductions in the exercise group, particularly during the first five weeks. However, this interaction was attenuated after adjustment for age and duration of crack cocaine use. CONCLUSIONS:Participation in multicomponent exercise was associated with greater reductions in craving in the primary analysis, although this finding was attenuated after adjustment for baseline group differences. Improvements in cognition and self-esteem were observed in both groups, suggesting shared effects of structured care and abstinence. These findings support further investigation of exercise as a complementary strategy in substance use disorder treatment.
