The Role of Thiamine in Autism

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of neuro-developmental conditions characterized by varying degrees of language impairment, including verbal and non-verbal communication, impaired social skill, and repetitive behaviors. In this paper, we review the evidence for an association between autism and thiamine. A relationship between thiamine status and the development of autism has been established, with thiamine supplementation exhibiting a beneficial clinical effect on children with autism. Thiamine may involve in autism via apoptotic factors (transcription factor p53, Bcl-2, and caspase-3), neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, acetylcholine, and glutamate), and oxidative stress (prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide synthase, the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and mitochondrial dysfunction). In addition, thiamine has also been implicated in autism via its effects on basic myelin protein, glycogen synthetase kinase-3β, alpha-1 antitrypsin, and glyoxalase 1. Thiamine may play a role in children with autism. Additional investigation of thiamine in children with autism is needed.

Neurological, Psychiatric, and Biochemical Aspects of Thiamine Deficiency in Children and Adults

“…A number of hypotheses have been put forward on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking thiamine deficiency and ASD (135), including i) increased apoptosis, due to the link of thiamine with p53 (136, 137), Bcl-2 (138, 139), and caspases (140); ii) deregulation of the serotoninergic system (141, 142); and iii) increased oxidative stress, due to the putative role of thiamine in prostaglandin expression, decreased lipid peroxidation as well as expression of nitric oxide synthase (143, 144), and its involvement as a cofactor for TKT in the PPP, master regulator of NADPH homeostasis.…”

The role and impact of abnormal vitamin levels in autism spectrum disorders

“…Nerve cells are a major source of cutting high-energy demand; thiamine promotes energy production and protects cells from oxidative stress. 72 Additionally, thiamine and its derivatives control the production of acetylcholine, receptor function, cholinergic neurotransmission, and antioxidant and neurotrophic effects in the brain. 73 Animal studies have shown that reduced prenatal and postnatal thiamine intake affects the developing brain of newborn rats and that the memory of rats raised by thiamine-deficient dams is impaired.…”

“…Nerve cells are a major source of cutting high-energy demand; thiamine promotes energy production and protects cells from oxidative stress. 72 Additionally, thiamine and its derivatives control the production of acetylcholine, receptor function, cholinergic neurotransmission, and antioxidant and neurotrophic effects in the brain. 73…”

Relationship between Vitamin Deficiencies and Co-Occurring Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…It was, also, linked with Alzheimer's disease (AD) after the appearance of plaques and β-amiloid in animal models [50]. The implication of thiamine in ASD can be seen via its effects on apoptotic factors (factor p-53, caspase-3, and Bcl-2), oxidative stress (prostaglandins, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide synthase, mitochondrial dysfunction) and neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, glutamate, and acetylcoline) [51].…”