Suplatast Tosilate

Maternal perinatal depression (MPD) is associated with reduced maternal plasma oxytocin (OXT) levels and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Using data from 23,218 Japanese mother–child pairs, we evaluated the relationship between MPD—assessed with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)—and autistic-related traits (ART) in toddlers, measured by the Tokyo Autistic Behavior Scale (TABS). We also tested the potential causal relationship of maternal stress exposure on OXT, its receptor (OXTR), and offspring outcomes using a prenatal stress-exposed mouse model. In the human cohort study, higher K6 or EPDS scores during pregnancy and postpartum were significantly associated with increased TABS scores in toddlers. Offspring of mothers with MPD (K6 or EPDS score ≥ 9) during pregnancy or postpartum exhibited a higher risk of ART (TABS score ≥ 15; P  < 0.05). This risk was particularly pronounced in female toddlers exposed to MPD during pregnancy and postpartum (ORs: 5.805–9.367; P  < 0.05). Female toddlers born to mothers with MPD also had lower birth weight, and their ART were positively correlated with K6 scores during mid-gestation and with impaired maternal bonding postpartum. In the mouse model, chronically stressed dams displayed depressive-like behaviors, and their female juveniles exhibited increased self-grooming and impaired social interaction. Furthermore, OXTR mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the prefrontal cortex of female juveniles from stressed dams. These findings suggest that MPD increases the risk of ART, particularly in females, highlighting potential sex-specific mechanisms underlying ASD susceptibility.

Marine plastic debris (MPD) deposited on the seafloor contributes to the degradation of benthic habitats and impairment of macroinvertebrate ecosystem functions. However, few studies have examined these impacts in detail. We investigated the effects of MPD type (gunny sacks, polyethylene terephthalate bottles, fishing traps, and tires) and deposition period (assessed monthly) on macroinvertebrate habitat and community structure via seven field surveys conducted at Hyeonpo Port, Ulleungdo Island, Korea from 2024 to 2025, with samples collected using a can corer. A total of 102 species (2.3 m²) were identified, with polychaetes (10,559.8 individuals/m²), followed by mollusks (733.5 individuals/m²), and arthropods (194.6 individuals/m²). Species number, density, biomass, and diversity varied according to both MPD type and deposition period. After 7 months of exposure, all MPD types were associated with significant differences in macroinvertebrate community structure compared to the control sites, and the degree of impact on benthic assemblages increased with the exposure period. Among the environmental variables influencing benthic community structure, total organic carbon increased with longer MPD exposure, while mean grain size tended to become coarser. These results imply that long-term MPD exposure can alter macroinvertebrate community composition and potentially promote the formation of novel benthic ecosystems over time. Moreover, the type and physical characteristics of the MPD play crucial roles in determining disturbance intensity and recovery rates in benthic habitats.