Reduced serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in children with autism: Relation to autoimmunity

Abstract

BackgroundAside from the skeletal health affection, vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as a potential environmental factor triggering for some autoimmune disorders. Vitamin D might play a role in the regulation of the production of auto-antibodies. Immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D may act not only through modulation of T-helper cell function, but also through induction of CD4+CD25high regulatory T-cells. We are the first to investigate the relationship between serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) auto-antibodies in autistic children.MethodsSerum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and anti-MAG auto-antibodies were measured in 50 autistic children, aged between 5 and 12 years, and 30 healthy-matched children. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels 10–30 ng/mL and < 10 ng/mL were defined as vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, respectively.ResultsAutistic children had significantly lower serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D than healthy children (P < 0.001) with 40% and 48% being vitamin D deficient and insufficient, respectively. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D had significant negative correlations with Childhood Autism Rating Scale (P < 0.001). Increased levels of serum anti-MAG auto-antibodies were found in 70% of autistic patients. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels had significant negative correlations with serum levels of anti-MAG auto-antibodies (P < 0.001).ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency was found in some autistic children and this deficiency may contribute to the induction of the production of serum anti-MAG auto-antibodies in these children. However, future studies looking at a potential role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology and treatment of autism are warranted.

Vitamin D is an Adjuvant Therapy for Egyptian Children with Autism

“…Our results showed that our autistic patients had statistically significant decrease in serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D than healthy controls, with 30% (12 patients) and 60% (24 children) were vitamin D deficient and insufficient, respectively. This is coincident with the findings of Meguid et al [19] and Mostafa G et al [20] who reported reduced level of 25 OH Vitamin D in patients with autism when compared to healthy children. Our results showed that there was improvement of mean childhood autistic rating scale (CARS) after vitamin D supplementation of 400 units daily for 8 weeks but not to the degree to be significant and the improvement was more in patients with vitamin D deficient autistic children.…”

Vitamin D deficiency and autism; a review on recent findings

“…Numakawa et al highlighted that autistic children had significantly lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D serum levels than healthy children (P < 0.001) (56). Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level had meaningful negative correlation with infantile autism rating scale (P < 0.001) (57). These findings suggest that low prenatal vitamin D may act as a risk factor for ASD.…”

“…This hormone presents immunomodulation, neuroprotection and antiepileptic properties (47). Prenatal, postnatal and even and neonatal vitamin D supplementation is imperative for ordinary brain activities (47)(48)(49)(50)(51)(52)(53)(54)(55)(56)(57)(58)(59)(60). The noticeable rise in the frequency of autism across the last 20 years is due to an increase in medical cautions to avoid the sun exposure because of its increasing of skin cancers.…”

Functional Bracing for the Fracture Management in a Patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Case Report

“…The ASD cases have reportedly abnormal bone density thus increased risk for fractures 4 . Young and adult cases of ASD have been found to have an increased odds ratio of fracture around hip, forearm and spine 3,5 . Our case reported trivial fall resulting in a closed short oblique fracture pattern and that suggests subnormal bone strength 6 .…”