Abnormal functional connectivity of the amygdala-based network in resting-state FMRI in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the disruptions of functional connectivity of amygdala-based networks in adolescents with untreated generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 26 adolescents with first-episode GAD and 20 normal age-matched volunteers underwent resting-state and T1 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We analyzed the correlation of fMRI signal fluctuation between the amygdala and other brain regions. The variation of amygdala-based functional connectivity and its correlation with anxiety severity were investigated. RESULTS: Decreased functional connectivity was found between the left amygdala and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. An increased right amygdala functional connectivity with right posterior and anterior lobes of the cerebellum, insula, superior temporal gyrus, putamen, and right amygdala were found in our study. Negative correlations between GAD scores and functional connectivity of the right amygdala with the cerebellum were also observed in the GAD adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with GAD have abnormalities in brain regions associated with the emotional processing pathways.

[Clinical features and comorbidities of Asperger syndrome in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and summarize the clinical features and comorbidities of Asperger syndrome (AS) in children and to provide a theoretical basis for improving the understanding and diagnosis of AS. METHODS: Inquiry of medical history, physical examination, behavioral observation, psychiatric examination, questionnaire survey, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale were used to summarize and analyse the clinical data of 95 children with AS, including chief complaint, symptoms, perinatal and familial conditions, family genetic history, and common comorbidities. RESULTS: AS was more common in male children, with hyperactivity, inattention, and social withdrawal as frequent chief complaints. The main clinical manifestations included poor communication skills (95%), restricted interest (82%), repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior (77%), semantic comprehension deficit (74%), and indiscipline (68%). Verbal IQ was higher than performance IQ in most patients. The comorbidities of AS included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (39%), emotional disorder (18%), and schizophrenia (2%); emotional disorder was more common in patients aged 13-16 years, while ADHD was more common in patients aged 7-16 years. Among these patients, 61% had fathers with introverted personality, 43% had mothers with introverted personality, and 19% had a family history of mental illness. CONCLUSIONS: AS has specific clinical manifestations. It is essential to know more about the clinical features and comorbidities of AS, which is helpful for early identification and diagnosis of AS.

[Association of DNA methyltransferase 3B gene polymorphism with early-onset schizophrenia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) gene polymorphism with the development of early-onset schizophrenia. METHODS: A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6119954) of DNMT3B gene was genotyped in 279 early-onset schizophrenic patients and 395 healthy controls, using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. To detect the interaction between the DNMT3B gene and environmental factors, the prenatal information of the patients was collected. RESULTS: Genotype distribution of the rs6119954 locus was significantly different between patients and controls (Chi-square = 12.27, P< 0.01). The frequency of the G allele of this locus was significantly higher in patients than in controls (Chi-square = 12.76, P< 0.01). The G allele was highly associated with an earlier age of onset (P= 0.026). No interaction between the DNMT3B gene and environmental factors was found. CONCLUSION: DNMT3B gene is associated with early-onset schizophrenia and rs6119954 may plays an important role in age of onset of schizophrenia.