0000000000211214
AUTHOR
Milagros Fuentes-albero
Increased homocysteine levels correlate with the communication deficit in children with autism spectrum disorder
The clinical significance of high levels of homocysteine in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unknown. An experimental study was conducted in order to evaluate the concentration of homocysteine in children with ASD and typically developing children and to analyse any relationships with the severity of core symptoms of ASD and other clinical features (drugs, co-morbidities, gender, age, diet). Core symptoms of autism were evaluated by DSM-IV criteria. Homocysteine, glutathione, methionine, 3-nitrotyrosine were measured in urine. The increase in homocysteine concentration was significantly and directly correlated with the severity of the deficit in communication skills, but was unrelated to d…
Lead Excretion in Spanish Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Among epigenetic factors leading to increased prevalence of juvenile neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, exposure to metals, such as lead (Pb) have led to conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of Pb in the urine of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with typically developing children (TD) age- and sex-matched, and to analyze any association between core symptoms of ASD, special diets, supplements intake or prescription drugs and the concentration of Pb. The study was performed in a group of children with ASD (n = 35, average age 7.4 ± 0.5 years) and TD (n = 34, average age 7.7 ± 0.9 years). Measurement of…
Homocysteine Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Update
Background and objective Homocysteine (Hcy) is a non-protein α-amino acid, which plays several important roles in human physiology and in the central nervous system. Although Hcy has several known biological properties in one-carbon metabolism, its overproduction might be harmful, and could add to the pathophysiology associated with ASD. We reviewed the current evidence about changes in Hcy concentration in ASD and tried to correlate its changes with the clinical profile Discussion: The concentration of the amino acid in biological fluids (blood and urine) in children/ youngs with ASD is increased in the majority of studies when comparing to typically developing control subjects. Some repor…
Relationship between adipic acid concentration and the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
Dicarboxylic acids are an important source of information about metabolism and potential physiopathological alterations in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We measured the concentration between dicarboxylic adipic and suberic acids in children with an ASD and typically-developing (TD) children and analyzed any relationships between the severity of the core symptoms of ASDs and other clinical features (drugs, supplements, drugs, or diet). The core symptoms of autism were evaluated using the DSM-IV criteria, and adipic acid and suberic acid were measured in urine samples. Overall, no increase in the concentration of adipic acid in children with ASDs compared to TD children, how…
Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake in Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) play a central role in neuronal growth and in the development of the human brain, and a deficiency of these substances has been reported in children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). In this regard, supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is used as adjuvant therapy in ADHD. Seafood, particularly fish, and some types of nuts are the main dietary sources of such fatty acids in the Spanish diet. In order to assess the effect of the intake of common foods containing high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a food frequency questionnaire was administered to parents of children with ADHD (N = …