Autism: an emerging ‘neuroimmune disorder’ in search of therapy

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in communication and by repetitive and stereotypic behaviors, as well as by social impairment, attention, cognitive, and learning defects. ASDs present in early childhood and their prevalence has increased significantly to 1/150 children. Despite a number of theories, the actual reasons for this increase are still not clear. There is no reliable screening test, and no definite pathogenesis or curative therapy. Consequently, there is a major gap hampering development of effective treatments. Objective: To review recent publications on ASDs pathogenesis and treatment with emphasis on neuroimmune processes and new therapeutic approaches. Methods: Mostly original papers (450) on epidemiology, possible pathogenesis or treatment of ASDs in Medline from 1990 to May 2009 were reviewed. All authors contributed to this review. Results/conclusion: Increased oxidative stress and immune dysregulation are present in ASDs. Mastcell activation may contribute to gut-blood-brain barrier disruption and brain inflammation. No effective treatments have emerged. Well-designed clinical trials with nonpsychotropic drugs were few and ASD characteristics varied considerably, making conclusions difficult. Psychotropic drugs are often used for stereotypic and aggressive behaviors. Unique combinations with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids hold promise. New potential translational research areas and possible treatments are suggested.

A comparative study of the oxidative stress indices of children with autism and healthy children

“…35 Some studies have postulated that the resultant ingress of enterotoxic substances into the brains of autistic patients might provoke inflammation of nervous tissue. 36 Thus, oxidative stress could result in neuronal damage and the development and progression of autism by promoting lipid and protein peroxidation, neuroinflammation, and damage to DNA and RNA. The present study, highlighting increased OSI in autistic patients, supports the above hypothesis.…”

8th Annual Conference of the European Nutraceutical Association (ENA)

“…Flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin are anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory [9]. They also inhibit mast cell activation [10] including 12], which is increased in ASD brains [13]. We showed that luteolin can inhibit mercury-induced human mast cell activation [14].…”

The relation between blood lead and mercury levels and chronic neurological diseases in children

“…Çocukiardaki nörogeli §imsel hastaiiklann olu §umunda genetik, dogumsal, metabolik, çevresel ve sosyoekonomik risk etmenlerinin etkisi olmakla birlikte önemli bir kismmda neden gösterilememektedir (1,2).…”