ASSESSMENT OF INFANTILE MINERAL IMBALANCES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASDs)

Abstract

The interactions between genes and the environment are now regarded as the most probable explanation for autism. In this review, we summarize the results of a metallomics study in which scalp hair concentrations of 26 trace elements were examined for 1,967 autistic children (1,553 males and 414 females aged 0-15 years-old), and discuss recent advances in our understanding of epigenetic roles of infantile mineral imbalances in the pathogenesis of autism. In the 1,967 subjects, 584 (29.7%) and 347 (17.6%) were found deficient in zinc and magnesium, respectively, and the incidence rate of zinc deficiency was estimated at 43.5% in male and 52.5% in female infantile subjects aged 0-3 years-old. In contrast, 339 (17.2%), 168 (8.5%) and 94 (4.8%) individuals were found to suffer from high burdens of aluminum, cadmium and lead, respectively, and 2.8% or less from mercury and arsenic. High toxic metal burdens were more frequently observed in the infants aged 0-3 years-old, whose incidence rates were 20.6%, 12.1%, 7.5%, 3.2% and 2.3% for aluminum, cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury, respectively. These findings suggest that infantile zinc-and magnesium-deficiency and/or toxic metal burdens may be critical and induce epigenetic alterations in the genes and genetic regulation mechanisms of neurodevelopment in the autistic children, and demonstrate that a time factor "infantile window" is also critical for neurodevelopment and probably for therapy. Thus, early metallomics analysis may lead to early screening/estimation and treatment/prevention for the autistic neurodevelopment disorders.

Biomarkers of Organophosphate Pesticides and Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Case-Control Study

“…It comprised 40 children diagnosed as ADHD according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder (DSM-5) criteria [18] by psychiatrist. They were recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinic at Alzahraa University hospital.…”

“…OP pesticides exposure during growing might have constant effects on multiple neural systems that lead to ADHD behaviors, such as inattention and cognitive deficits, which is similar to the symptoms due to nicotine exposure during development [14,15]. Globally ADHD is considered one of the main prevalent neurobehavioral disorders in children, affecting three to ten percent of children [16][17][18].…”

“…Children were diagnosed as ADHD according to the DSM-5 criteria [18] by psychiatrist and children were categorized into (subtypes): hyperactive, inattention or mixed ADHD. Additionally, Conner test was done to all the included children.…”

Early-life risk factors for chronic nonrespiratory diseases

“…They are particularly prominent in terms of nonfatal burden, accounting for 0.8% of the years lived with disability across all ages [151]. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is diagnosed in mid-childhood and the prevalence declines with age, being 5-10% in childhood, 2.5-4% in adolescents and 2.5% in adults [152,153]. A recent pooled analysis suggested a global prevalence of 5.3% for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents, although parental reports of symptoms consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often give higher estimates, with 7.2% of American children 4-17 years of age reported by parents to have a current diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [154].…”

“…AGUIAR et al [152] reported that the most common comorbidities in boys are oppositional defiant disorder (>32%) and conduct disorders (>7%), while anxiety disorders (33%) are more common in girls, and depression and bipolar disorders are common in adolescents. There is less certainty over whether attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with decreased cognitive function and lower intelligence quotient (IQ), although several of the environmental exposures associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (see later), including lead [155], polychlorinated biphenyls [155], organochlorine pesticides [155], organophosphate pesticides and tobacco smoke [156], are associated with lower IQ.…”