A controlled study of mercury levels in hair samples of children with autism as compared to their typically developing siblings

Williams, P. Gail; Hersh, Joseph H.; Allard, AnnaMary; Sears, Lonnie

doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2007.05.001

Cited by 20 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Maternal immigrant status is another social factor that emerged in eight studies 104,208,243,[247][248][249][250][251] and two systematic reviews 13,100 supporting an association with ASD or ASD subtype. Migrant mothers had a higher prevalence of offspring with ASD in studies from Sweden, the United Kingdom and Australia.…”

Section: Immigrant Statusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental factors associated with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review for the years 2003–2013

Montigny

Ofner

et al. 2017

Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can

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Introduction: The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been rapidly rising in the past decade. The etiology of this disorder, however, is largely unknown, although the environmental relative to the genetic contribution is substantial. We conducted a scoping review to comprehensively assess the current state of knowledge of the environmental factors present from preconception to early life associated with ASD, and to identify research gaps.

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Section: Immigrant Statusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental factors associated with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review for the years 2003–2013

Montigny

Ofner

et al. 2017

Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can

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“…This may bring about consequences such as chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, changes in the immune system and in the brain [18]. As the most common consequences are the difficulty of socialization (prefers to be alone in an aloof manner) and language skill disabilities (unresponsive to normal teaching methods), as well as overweight [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aluminium and Other Metals May Pose a Risk to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Biochemical and Behavioural Impairments

Melendez¹

2013

Clin Exp Pharmacol

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Recent studies have shown that some toxic metals have been associated with neurological diseases. The binding and transport of these metals in the blood may occur by species of High Molecular Mass (HMM) and Low Molecular Weight Species (LMM) of proteins. These main species are known to be responsible for aluminum transporting is the case of transferrin and citrate. It seems that autistic children may have a genetic predisposition to accumulate large amounts of metals as it is has been proposed. This study seeks to understand the toxic mechanism of selected metals in autistic children and its correlation with the psycho-metabolic implications of the syndrome. Preliminary results have indicated that some metals such as chromium, arsenic and particularly aluminum were elevated in the blood of an autistic child, as compared to reference values of a normal child. A case-control study is under investigation. Furthermore, the consequences of the disease, as such the difficulties in socialization and language skill disabilities may also be related to the burden of toxic metals in general, particularly aluminum.

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“…In addition, Williams et al, (2008) in their study comparing children with autism to typically developing siblings found no clinically significant difference in mercury levels, although there was a slight trend toward lower levels in children with autism. Geier et al, (2008) concluded that emerging evidence supports the theory that some autism spectrum disorders may result from a combination of genetic biochemical susceptibility, specifically reduced ability to excrete mercury and exposure to mercury at critical developmental periods.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…Mercury toxicity was first hypothesized as an etiology for autism in an article by Bernard et al, (2001), who noted the similarity of presentation between individuals with autism and those with mercury poisoning. Williams et al, (2008) stated that measuring of chronic mercury exposure have also been problematic. Blood and urine have been used to ascertain acute exposure but are not as helpful in chronic exposure.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Some Toxic Factors Influencing Autism: A Case Control Study among Some Egyptian Children

Attalla

Attia

Tobar

et al. 2012

Ain Shams Journal of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology

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Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed clinically on the basis of deficits in social interaction, communication, and range of interests and activities. While, the neurobiologic basis for autism is now established, the specific etiology is unknown. The study tried to put hand on the most offending toxic risk factors for autism through detecting the levels of mercury and lead in the hair of autistic children and whether their levels are correlated with the changes in hair copper and zinc levels. Results showed the lead and mercury were detected in the hair samples of autistic children. The lead levels were significantly increased while mercury levels were significantly decreased in comparison to control group. There were changes in both copper and zinc levels in the hair samples of autistic children as copper levels were significantly higher in autistic cases than in control while, zinc levels were significantly lower in autistic cases than in control. There was positive correlation of Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and mercury levels while; Intelligence Quotient (IQ) has significant negative correlation with hair lead levels. By using logistic regression model in the current study, it is found that levels of hair mercury followed by copper then lead were associated with statistically significant increased risk of autism. In conclusion, infantile zinc deficiency and toxic metal accumulation may play principal roles in the pathogenesis of autism.

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A controlled study of mercury levels in hair samples of children with autism as compared to their typically developing siblings

Cited by 20 publications

References 11 publications

Environmental factors associated with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review for the years 2003–2013

Environmental factors associated with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review for the years 2003–2013

Aluminium and Other Metals May Pose a Risk to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Biochemical and Behavioural Impairments

Impact of Some Toxic Factors Influencing Autism: A Case Control Study among Some Egyptian Children

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