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Pereira EC, Piai KDA, Salles FJ, Silva ASD, Olympio KPK. A comprehensive analysis of children's blood lead levels in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last eight years: Progress and recommendations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172372. [PMID: 38604359 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In 2017 we published a review on blood lead levels (BLL) in children from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) for data available up to 14th of March 2014 and recommended the identification and control of "lead hot spots". In the present study, an evaluation of progress toward reducing BLL in the region was carried out. A systematic review of the latest literature on lead exposure in the LAC region held on the PubMed, Web of Science and LILACS databases (January 2014 to March 2022) was conducted using the PRISMA methodology. Only original papers published in peer-reviewed English, Spanish, or Portuguese journals were eligible. A total of 558 papers were retrieved, 77 of which met the selection criteria and 31 (40.25 %) were carried out in Mexico. The prevalence of children with BLL above 10 μg. dL-1 was 22.08 % in the previous review versus 6.78 % in the current study. In the present review, the prevalence of children with BLL above 5 μg. dL-1 was 29.62 %, and only one study reported a BLL prevalence rate between 3.3 and 5 μg. dL-1. The highest BLLs were associated with well-known sources or occupational exposures. The number of countries (n = 13) that published data on BLL in children was lower compared to the previous review (n = 16). Most studies were conducted in areas with known lead exposure sources, similar to the earlier review. The percentage of children at risk of lead poisoning in the region remains unknown because few studies have published data on environmental exposure levels and most samples were relatively small. The recommendation to identify and control sources of lead exposure was maintained, while further suggestions for establishing a systematic public health surveillance system for lead were proposed to help reduce the knowledge gap and inform public health policy-making in LAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizeu Chiodi Pereira
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kamila de Almeida Piai
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Junqueira Salles
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Agnes Soares da Silva
- Departamento de Vigilância em Saúde Ambiental e Saúde do Trabalhador, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, Ministério da Saúde, Brazil
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Manangama G, Galera C, Audignon-Durand S, Gramond C, Tartaglia M, Zaros C, Teysseire R, Brochard P, Sentilhes L, Delva F. Maternal occupational exposure to carbonaceous nanoscale particles and neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood: Analysis of the French Longitudinal Study of Children - Elfe study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118364. [PMID: 38309566 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between occupational exposures to carbonaceous unintentionally emitted nanoscale particles (UNPs) during pregnancy and the child's language development and behaviour at two years old. METHODS Using data from the French Longitudinal Study of Childhood - ELFE, we selected mothers who worked during pregnancy and their children. Exposure to carbonaceous UNPs was assessed by the MatPUF (job-exposure matrix for ultrafine particles). Children's lexical development was analysed using 'the Mac Arthur - Bates communicative development inventories-words and sentences-short form' (MB-CDI) in a multivariate binary logistic regression. Their risk for autism spectrum disorders was studied using 'the Modified-CHecklist for Autism in Toddler' (M-CHAT) according to the recommended thresholds (low risk = 0-2; intermediate risk = 3-6 and high risk = 7-23) in unordered multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS Maternal occupational exposure to carbonaceous UNPs was associated with delayed child language development (ORadj: 1.34; 95 % CI: 1.00, 1.80) but not with behavioural disorders (autism spectrum disorders) at two years old. CONCLUSION This is the first epidemiological study to show a significant association between maternal occupational exposure to carbonaceous nanoscale particles and child language development at 2 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guyguy Manangama
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cédric Galera
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1219-HEALTHY, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sabyne Audignon-Durand
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Céline Gramond
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie Tartaglia
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cécile Zaros
- Joint Research Unit Elfe, Ined-Inserm-EFS, France
| | - Raphaëlle Teysseire
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux Teaching Hospital, Artemis Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Brochard
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux Teaching Hospital, Artemis Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Loïc Sentilhes
- Bordeaux Teaching Hospital, Artemis Center, Bordeaux, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fleur Delva
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux Teaching Hospital, Artemis Center, Bordeaux, France; Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit, INSERM CIC1401, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
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Bjørklund G, Tippairote T, Hangan T, Chirumbolo S, Peana M. Early-Life Lead Exposure: Risks and Neurotoxic Consequences. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1620-1633. [PMID: 37031386 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230409135310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead (Pb) does not have any biological function in a human, and it is likely no safe level of Pb in the human body. The Pb exposure impacts are a global concern for their potential neurotoxic consequences. Despite decreasing both the environmental Pb levels and the average blood Pb levels in the survey populations, the lifetime redistribution from the tissues-stored Pb still poses neurotoxic risks from the low-level exposure in later life. The growing fetus and children hold their innate high-susceptible to these Pb-induced neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral effects. OBJECTIVE This article aims to evaluate cumulative studies and insights on the topic of Pb neurotoxicology while assessing the emerging trends in the field. RESULTS The Pb-induced neurochemical and neuro-immunological mechanisms are likely responsible for the high-level Pb exposure with the neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral impacts at the initial stages. Early-life Pb exposure can still produce neurodegenerative consequences in later life due to the altered epigenetic imprints and the ongoing endogenous Pb exposure. Several mechanisms contribute to the Pb-induced neurotoxic impacts, including the direct neurochemical effects, the induction of oxidative stress and inflammation through immunologic activations, and epigenetic alterations. Furthermore, the individual nutritional status, such as macro-, micro-, or antioxidant nutrients, can significantly influence the neurotoxic impacts even at low-level exposure to Pb. CONCLUSION The prevention of early-life Pb exposure is, therefore, the critical determinant for alleviating various Pb-induced neurotoxic impacts across the different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, Mo i Rana, 8610, Norway
| | - Torsak Tippairote
- Department of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, HP Medical Center, Bangkok 10540, Thailand
| | - Tony Hangan
- Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, 900470, Romania
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
- CONEM Scientific Secretary, Strada Le Grazie 9, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, 07100, Italy
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Lin HH, Jung CR, Lin CY, Chang YC, Hsieh CY, Hsu PC, Chuang BR, Hwang BF. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to heavy metals in PM 2.5 and autism spectrum disorder. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116874. [PMID: 37595830 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, and its incidence is increasing over time. Although several environmental factors have been suspected to be risk factors for ASD, studies on the effects of airborne heavy metals on newly developed ASD are still limited. We conducted a large birth cohort study of 168,062 live term births in Taichung during 2004-2011 to assess the association of heavy metals in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) with ASD, and identify sensitive time windows during prenatal and postnatal periods. Heavy metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in PM2.5, were estimated using the Weather Research and Forecasting/Chem (WRF/Chem), inserted from the top 75 emission sources for the module. The association between childhood ASD and 4 metals were analyzed from pregnancy to 9 months after birth. The Cox proportional hazard model with a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to estimate the association between heavy metals in PM2.5 and ASD. We identified 666 incident ASD cases in 168,062 participants. A positive association between Hg and ASD was found at 9 months after birth (Hazard Ratio: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.13-2.36). According to the DLNM, there was an increased risk of exposure to Hg during 10-25 weeks after birth, and decreased risk of exposure to Hg during gestational weeks 4-6. Exposure to As and Hg on the risk of ASD were significantly stronger in low birth weight infants (<2500 g) than in those of birth weight ≥2500 g during postnatal period. Postnatal exposure to Hg in PM2.5 may associate with increased ASD incidence. Infants with low birth weight and exposure to As and Hg in PM2.5 are more likely to develop ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ren Jung
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Chuan-Yao Lin
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Chu Chang
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yun Hsieh
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chuan Hsu
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Bao-Ru Chuang
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Fang Hwang
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Tizabi Y, Bennani S, El Kouhen N, Getachew B, Aschner M. Interaction of Heavy Metal Lead with Gut Microbiota: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1549. [PMID: 37892231 PMCID: PMC10605213 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication, manifests in early childhood and is followed by restricted and stereotyped behaviors, interests, or activities in adolescence and adulthood (DSM-V). Although genetics and environmental factors have been implicated, the exact causes of ASD have yet to be fully characterized. New evidence suggests that dysbiosis or perturbation in gut microbiota (GM) and exposure to lead (Pb) may play important roles in ASD etiology. Pb is a toxic heavy metal that has been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes, including anemia, encephalopathy, gastroenteric diseases, and, more importantly, cognitive and behavioral problems inherent to ASD. Pb exposure can disrupt GM, which is essential for maintaining overall health. GM, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, has been shown to play a crucial role in the development of various physiological and psychological functions. GM interacts with the brain in a bidirectional manner referred to as the "Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)". In this review, following a general overview of ASD and GM, the interaction of Pb with GM in the context of ASD is emphasized. The potential exploitation of this interaction for therapeutic purposes is also touched upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Samia Bennani
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20100, Morocco
| | - Nacer El Kouhen
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20100, Morocco
| | - Bruk Getachew
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
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Payne-Sturges DC, Taiwo TK, Ellickson K, Mullen H, Tchangalova N, Anderko L, Chen A, Swanson M. Disparities in Toxic Chemical Exposures and Associated Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Scoping Review and Systematic Evidence Map of the Epidemiological Literature. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:96001. [PMID: 37754677 PMCID: PMC10525348 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children are routinely exposed to chemicals known or suspected of harming brain development. Targeting Environmental Neuro-Development Risks (Project TENDR), an alliance of > 50 leading scientists, health professionals, and advocates, is working to protect children from these toxic chemicals and pollutants, especially the disproportionate exposures experienced by children from families with low incomes and families of color. OBJECTIVE This scoping review was initiated to map existing literature on disparities in neurodevelopmental outcomes for U.S. children from population groups who have been historically economically/socially marginalized and exposed to seven exemplar neurotoxicants: combustion-related air pollution (AP), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), organophosphate pesticides (OPs), phthalates (Phth), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). METHODS Systematic literature searches for the seven exemplar chemicals, informed by the Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcome (PECO) framework, were conducted through 18 November 2022, using PubMed, CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), GreenFILE (EBSCO), and Web of Science sources. We examined these studies regarding authors' conceptualization and operationalization of race, ethnicity, and other indicators of sociodemographic and socioeconomic disadvantage; whether studies presented data on exposure and outcome disparities and the patterns of those disparities; and the evidence of effect modification by or interaction with race and ethnicity. RESULTS Two hundred twelve individual studies met the search criteria and were reviewed, resulting in 218 studies or investigations being included in this review. AP and Pb were the most commonly studied exposures. The most frequently identified neurodevelopmental outcomes were cognitive and behavioral/psychological. Approximately a third (74 studies) reported investigations of interactions or effect modification with 69% (51 of 74 studies) reporting the presence of interactions or effect modification. However, less than half of the studies presented data on disparities in the outcome or the exposure, and fewer conducted formal tests of heterogeneity. Ninety-two percent of the 165 articles that examined race and ethnicity did not provide an explanation of their constructs for these variables, creating an incomplete picture. DISCUSSION As a whole, the studies we reviewed indicated a complex story about how racial and ethnic minority and low-income children may be disproportionately harmed by exposures to neurotoxicants, and this has implications for targeting interventions, policy change, and other necessary investments to eliminate these health disparities. We provide recommendations on improving environmental epidemiological studies on environmental health disparities. To achieve environmental justice and health equity, we recommend concomitant strategies to eradicate both neurotoxic chemical exposures and systems that perpetuate social inequities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11750.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristie Ellickson
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Union of Concerned Scientists, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Haley Mullen
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Laura Anderko
- M. Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Gao CJ, Yang F, Wu B, Liang Y, Qin YY, Guo Y. A pilot study of several environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals in children with autism spectrum disorder in south China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:964. [PMID: 37462787 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders. Evidence has implied that environmental pollutants are important factors related to ASD. In this study, several environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters, hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, triclosan and tetrabromobisphenol A were analyzed in blood plasma in ASD children (n = 34) and the control children (n = 28). The results showed that parabens were the most concentrated chemicals (2.18 ng/mL, median value), followed by hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (0.73 ng/mL), benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters (0.14 ng/mL), triclosan (0.13 ng/mL) and tetrabromobisphenol A (0.03 ng/mL). ASD children accumulated significantly lower 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 4-hydroxybenzophenone and triclosan but higher 2-hydroxyphenanthrene and tetrabromobisphenol A than the control children (0.02/0.09 ng/mL of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.04/0.07 ng/mL of 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.03/0.04 ng/mL of 4-hydroxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.13/1.22 ng/mL of triclosan, p < 0.01; 0.03 ng/mL/not detected of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, p < 0.05; 0.03/0.004 ng/mL of tetrabromobisphenol A, p < 0.05). Gender differences in certain environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals were evident, and the differences were more inclined toward boys. Positive associations between 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and triclosan, and tetrabromobisphenol A and 2-hydroxyphenanthrene were found in ASD boys. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio value of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene in ASD boys was 11.0 (1.45-84.0, p < 0.05). This is the first pilot study on multiple environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children with ASD in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Jing Gao
- College of Biological and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.
- School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Feng Yang
- Speech Therapy Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Binbin Wu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Yan-Yan Qin
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Ying Guo
- School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Laue HE, Moroishi Y, Jackson BP, Palys TJ, Baker ER, Korrick SA, Madan JC, Karagas MR. Bacterial Modification of the Association Between Arsenic and Autism-Related Social Behavior Scores. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2023; 15:347-354. [PMID: 37840773 PMCID: PMC10569445 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-022-00494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is related to neurodevelopmental outcomes and is associated with the composition of the gut microbiome. Data on the modifying role of the microbiome are limited. We probed suggestive relationships between arsenic and social behaviors to quantify the modifying role of the infant gut microbiome. We followed children for whom arsenic concentrations were quantified in 6-week-old toenail clippings. Scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2), which measures autism-related social behaviors, were provided by caregivers when the child was approximately 3 years of age. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on infant stools collected at 6 weeks and 1 year of age. To evaluate modification by the top ten most abundant species and functional pathways, we modeled SRS-2 total T-scores as a function of arsenic concentrations, microbiome features dichotomized at their median, and an interaction between exposure and the microbiome, adjusting for other trace elements and sociodemographic characteristics. As compared to the standardized population (SRS-2 T-scores = 50), participants in our study had lower SRS-2 scores (n = 78, mean = 44, SD = 5).The relative abundances of several functional pathways identified in 6-week stool samples modified the arsenic-SRS-2 association, including the pathways of valine and isoleucine biosynthesis; we observed no association among those with high relative abundance of each pathway [β = - 0.67 (95% CI - 1.46, 0.12)], and an adverse association [β = 1.67 (95% CI 0.3, 3.04), pinteraction= 0.05] among infants with low relative abundance. Our findings indicate the infant gut microbiome may alter neurodevelopmental susceptibility to environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Laue
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- One Medical Center Dr, WTRB 700, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Yuka Moroishi
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brian P. Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Thomas J. Palys
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Emily R. Baker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Susan A. Korrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juliette C. Madan
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
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Ouisselsat M, Maidoumi S, Elmaouaki A, Lekouch N, Pineau A, Sedki A. Hair Trace Elements and Mineral Content in Moroccan Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Case-Control Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2701-2710. [PMID: 35896886 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03365-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) around the world continues to increase while the pathophysiology remains insufficiently elucidated. Genetics, environment, and epigenetic changes are often implicated. Abnormal level in trace elements and minerals is among environmental factors assumed to be involved. The purpose of this article is to assess hair concentrations of toxic and essential elements in children with ASD and children with neurotypical development in the city of Marrakech. Two hundred and twenty-seven children (107 with ASD and 120 controls) aged 3 to 14 years old were recruited. The results of analysis by ICP-MS showed a significant decrease in hair levels of copper, zinc, iron, and selenium (25%, 13%, 17%, 11%) of children with ASD. The most significantly reduced concentrations in children with ASD are that of manganese by 34%. Hair aluminum level was significantly elevated by 29% in ASD compared to controls. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that copper, selenium, and iron content in hair were significantly inversely associated with ASD, similarly, hair aluminum content was significantly associated with ASD. Adjusted model for demographic parameters increased the predictive ability of the model, father's age was a significant predictor. In addition, ASD and gender were significant predictors of hair levels of aluminum, selenium, and manganese.These results support the hypothesis of the disparity of trace elements and minerals levels in children with ASD and highlight the potential interest of micronutrient supplementation in the eventual improvement of ASD symptoms. Future research should explore the pathophysiology of these micronutrient deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ouisselsat
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco.
| | - Sana Maidoumi
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Amal Elmaouaki
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Nadra Lekouch
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Alain Pineau
- Mineral Element Dosing Centre, UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Nantes, 9, rue Bias, 44035 - 44000, Nantes Cedex 1, France
| | - Azeddine Sedki
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
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Ling W, Zhao G, Wang W, Wang C, Zhang L, Zhang H, Lu D, Ruan S, Zhang A, Liu Q, Jiang J, Jiang G. Metallomic profiling and natural copper isotopic signatures of childhood autism in serum and red blood cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138700. [PMID: 37076087 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Excessive exposure to metals directly threatens human health, including neurodeve lopment. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, leaving great harms to children themselves, their families, and even society. In view of this, it is critical to develop reliable biomarkers for ASD in early childhood. Here we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to identify the abnormalities in ASD-associated metal elements in children blood. Multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) was applied to detect isotopic differences in copper (Cu) for further assessment on account of its core role in the brain. We also developed a machine learning classification method for unknown samples based on a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The results indicated significant differences in the blood metallome (chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), and arsenic (As)) between cases and controls, and a significantly lower Zn/Cu ratio was observed in the ASD cases. Interestingly, we found a strong association of serum copper isotopic composition (δ65Cu) with autistic serum. SVM was successfully applied to discriminate cases and controls based on the two-dimensional Cu signatures (Cu concentration and δ65Cu) with a high accuracy (94.4%). Overall, our findings revealed a new biomarker for potential early diagnosis and screening of ASD, and the significant alterations in the blood metallome also helped to understand the potential pathogenesis of ASD in terms of metallomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibo Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Child Health Care, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Nanshan District, 1 Wanxia Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518067, China
| | - Weichao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huazhou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dawei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Shasha Ruan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Taishan Institute for Ecology and Environment (TIEE), Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Jie Jiang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518000, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Nakhaee S, Amirabadizadeh A, Farnia V, Ali Azadi N, Mansouri B, Radmehr F. Association Between Biological Lead Concentrations and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Children: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:1567-1581. [PMID: 35499802 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies have been conducted in different countries of the world to illustrate a link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and lead (Pb) in different specimens such as hair, blood, and urine. Therefore, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between Pb concentration in biological samples (blood, urine, and hair) and ASD in children through case-control and cross-sectional studies. In this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies from January 2000 to February 2022. A random-effects model was used to pool the results. The effect sizes were standardized mean differences (proxied by Hedges' g) followed by a 95% confidence interval. Pooling data under the random effect model from blood and hair studies showed a significant difference between the children in the ASD group and the control group in blood lead level (Hedges' g: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.33-2.09, P = 0.01) and hair level (Hedges' g: 2.20, 95% CI: 0.56-3.85, P = 0.01). For urine studies, pooling data under the random effect model from eight studies indicated no significant difference between the children in the ASD group and control group in urinary lead level (Hedges' g: - 0.34, 95% CI: - 1.14,0.45, P = 0.40). Moreover, the funnel plot and the results of the Egger test for the blood and urine samples showed no publication bias, while, for the hair samples, the funnel plot illustrated the existence of publication bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Amirabadizadeh
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 9717113163, Iran
| | - Vahid Farnia
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nemam Ali Azadi
- Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Mansouri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Farnaz Radmehr
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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12
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Evidence of transgenerational effects on autism spectrum disorder using multigenerational space-time cluster detection. Int J Health Geogr 2022; 21:13. [PMID: 36192740 PMCID: PMC9531495 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-022-00313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transgenerational epigenetic risks associated with complex health outcomes, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have attracted increasing attention. Transgenerational environmental risk exposures with potential for epigenetic effects can be effectively identified using space-time clustering. Specifically applied to ancestors of individuals with disease outcomes, space-time clustering characterized for vulnerable developmental stages of growth can provide a measure of relative risk for disease outcomes in descendants. Objectives (1) Identify space-time clusters of ancestors with a descendent with a clinical ASD diagnosis and matched controls. (2) Identify developmental windows of ancestors with the highest relative risk for ASD in descendants. (3) Identify how the relative risk may vary through the maternal or paternal line. Methods Family pedigrees linked to residential locations of ASD cases in Utah have been used to identify space-time clusters of ancestors. Control family pedigrees of none-cases based on age and sex have been matched to cases 2:1. The data have been categorized by maternal or paternal lineage at birth, childhood, and adolescence. A total of 3957 children, both parents, and maternal and paternal grandparents were identified. Bernoulli space-time binomial relative risk (RR) scan statistic was used to identify clusters. Monte Carlo simulation was used for statistical significance testing. Results Twenty statistically significant clusters were identified. Thirteen increased RR (> 1.0) space-time clusters were identified from the maternal and paternal lines at a p-value < 0.05. The paternal grandparents carry the greatest RR (2.86–2.96) during birth and childhood in the 1950’s–1960, which represent the smallest size clusters, and occur in urban areas. Additionally, seven statistically significant clusters with RR < 1 were relatively large in area, covering more rural areas of the state. Conclusion This study has identified statistically significant space-time clusters during critical developmental windows that are associated with ASD risk in descendants. The geographic space and time clusters family pedigrees with over 3 + generations, which we refer to as a person’s geographic legacy, is a powerful tool for studying transgenerational effects that may be epigenetic in nature. Our novel use of space-time clustering can be applied to any disease where family pedigree data is available. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12942-022-00313-4.
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Rezaei M, Rezaei A, Esmaeili A, Nakhaee S, Azadi NA, Mansouri B. A case-control study on the relationship between urine trace element levels and autism spectrum disorder among Iranian children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:57287-57295. [PMID: 35352223 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19933-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder characterized mainly by qualitative deficiencies in social communication skills, accompanied by repetitive and restricted behavior patterns. This study was conducted to investigate the associations between the risk of ASD development in children and exposure to trace elements (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)). Two groups of children, including 44 ASD and 35 typically developing (TD) children, were selected, and their fasting urine samples were obtained. The concentration levels of trace elements were assayed using ICP-MS. The results showed that as compared to the TD group, the concentration levels of As (p = 0.002) and Pb (p < 0.001) and also Cr (p < 0.001), Cu (p = 0.001), and Ni (p < 0.001) were significantly higher among ASD children. In terms of gender, boys with ASD showed elevated levels of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, whereas the urine levels of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb were markedly higher among girls when compared to the non-ASD children. Under the logistic regression model, the risk difference for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn remained significant when adjustment was applied for age and gender confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezaei
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Azam Rezaei
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Esmaeili
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Nemam Ali Azadi
- Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Mansouri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Pereira EC, Leroux IN, Luz MS, Batista BL, Olympio KPK. Study of controlled migration of cadmium and lead into foods from plastic utensils for children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:52833-52843. [PMID: 35275370 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a highly neurotoxic chemical element known for reducing intelligence quotient (IQ) and promoting antisocial behavior in children and adolescents, while cadmium (Cd) is a carcinogenic bioaccumulative element. Both these metals are included in the priority pollutant list of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and in the WHO List of Chemicals of Major Public Health Concern, where contaminated foods and beverages are the most common pathways of exposure. The objective of this study was to determine total Cd and Pb levels in colored plastic utensils (cups, mugs, bowls, feeding bottles, and plates) for use by children and to measure the specific migration of these elements into beverages and foods. Total contaminant levels were determined using a handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzer. Specific migration tests were conducted using the simulant solutions acetic acid 3% (m/v) and water. Migration levels were determined by ICP-MS. Specific migration tests for Pb were also performed on commercially available samples (cola soft drink, orange juice, vinegar, and milk), with levels determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). A total of 674 utensils were analyzed in loco at major commercial centers in Greater São Paulo, of which 87 were purchased for containing Cd and Pb concentrations above permitted limits. Mean concentrations of the metals detected in the purchased utensils were 1110 ppm for Pb and 338 ppm for Cd. For specific migration assays, Pb levels were 187, 13, and 380 times above the permitted limit (0.01 mg.kg -1) for acetic acid, water, and orange juice, respectively. Cd levels were 50 and 2.4 times above the maximum permitted limit (0.005 mg.kg -1) for acetic acid and water, respectively. The districts where the utensils were purchased were grouped according to their social vulnerability index and compared using ANOVA. Pb levels were different between low and medium/high social vulnerability groups (p = 0.006). The findings corroborate the initial hypothesis that these utensils constitute a major source of exposure to PTEs such as Cd and Pb, pointing to the need for stricter regulation and inspection by the Brazilian regulatory agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizeu Chiodi Pereira
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo 715, Cerqueira Cesar, SP, 01246-904, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Isabelle Nogueira Leroux
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo 715, Cerqueira Cesar, SP, 01246-904, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maciel Santos Luz
- Laboratório de Processos Metalúrgicos, Materiais Avançados, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 532, Cidade Universitária, SP, 05508-501, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Bruno Lemos Batista
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001 Bairro Santa Terezinha, SP, 09210-580, Santo André, Brasil
| | - Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo 715, Cerqueira Cesar, SP, 01246-904, São Paulo, Brasil.
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15
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Yu X, Rahman MM, Wang Z, Carter SA, Schwartz J, Chen Z, Eckel SP, Hackman D, Chen JC, Xiang AH, McConnell R. Evidence of susceptibility to autism risks associated with early life ambient air pollution: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112590. [PMID: 34929192 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have found associations between early life air pollution exposure and subsequent onset of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, characteristics that affect susceptibility remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This systematic review examined epidemiologic studies on the modifying roles of social, child, genetic and maternal characteristics in associations between prenatal and early postnatal air pollution exposure and ASD. METHODS A systematic literature search in PubMed and Embase was conducted. Studies that examined modifiers of the association between air pollution and ASD were included. RESULTS A total of 19 publications examined modifiers of the associations between early life air pollution exposures and ASD. In general, estimates of effects on risk of ASD in boys were larger than in girls (based on 11 studies). Results from studies of effects of family education (2 studies) and neighborhood deprivation (2 studies) on air pollution-ASD associations were inconsistent. Limited data (1 study) suggest pregnant women with insufficient folic acid intake might be more susceptible to ambient particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and 10 μm (PM10) in aerodynamic diameter, and to nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Children of mothers with gestational diabetes had increased risk of ozone-associated ASD (1 study). Two genetic studies reported that copy number variations may amplify the effect of ozone, and MET rs1858830 CC genotype may augment effects of PM and near-roadway pollutants on ASD. CONCLUSIONS Child's sex, maternal nutrition or diabetes, socioeconomic factors, and child risk genotypes were reported to modify the effect of early-life air pollutants on ASD risk in the epidemiologic literature. However, the sparsity of studies on comparable modifying hypotheses precludes conclusive findings. Further research is needed to identify susceptible populations and potential targets for preventive intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Spatial Science Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Md Mostafijur Rahman
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhongying Wang
- Spatial Science Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah A Carter
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhanghua Chen
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandrah P Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Hackman
- USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anny H Xiang
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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16
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Chen B, Chen S, Duan L, Zhang M, Liu X, Duan Y. Effects of ambient air pollution, fresh fruit and vegetable intakes as well as maternal psychosocial stress on the outcome of newborn otoacoustic emission hearing screening. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:269. [PMID: 35549697 PMCID: PMC9097425 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03328-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborn hearing screening results indicated that more than 40% of the detected infants had no recognized risk factors. To determine whether maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants and experience of stressful life event, as well as lack of fresh fruit and vegetable during pregnancy are associated with the abnormal hearing development among newborns. METHODS A total of 1193 newborns and their mothers were recruited in this study. Personal information and covariates were collected by face to face interview. Medical examination results of newborns and their mothers were extracted from medical record. We estimated personal air pollutant exposure level through inverse distance weighted method based on data from air quality monitoring stations and assessed the auditory development of newborns via distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). Unconditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the relationship between DPOAE screening result and the potential influential factors as well as the combined effect. RESULTS The results indicated that PM10 exposure during the second trimester and stressful life event during the third trimester could increase the risk of not passing DPOAE test among newborns. However, frequent intakes of fruit and vegetable significantly reduced the risk. There was a synergetic interaction between PM10 exposure and stressful life event on neonatal hearing development. CONCLUSIONS To alleviate abnormal auditory development among fetus, pregnant woman should decrease the exposures to ambient air pollutant and negative life event and at the same time, intake sufficient fresh fruit and vegetable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingzhi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Shaoyi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Lidan Duan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Muyang Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xiaoqun Liu
- Department of Children and Maternal Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yanying Duan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
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Marí-Bauset S, Peraita-Costa I, Donat-Vargas C, Llopis-González A, Marí-Sanchis A, Llopis-Morales J, Morales Suárez-Varela M. Systematic review of prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and autism spectrum disorder in offspring. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:6-32. [PMID: 34412519 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211039950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorders comprise a complex group with many subtypes of behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental abnormalities in two core areas: deficits in social communication and fixated, restricted, repetitive, or stereotyped behaviors and interests each with potential unique risk factors and characteristics. The underlying mechanisms and the possible causes of autism spectrum disorder remain elusive and while increased prevalence is undoubtable, it is unclear if it is a reflection of diagnostic improvement or emerging risk factors such as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Epidemiological studies, which are used to study the relation between endocrine disrupting chemicals and autism spectrum disorder, can have inherent methodological challenges that limit the quality and strength of their findings. The objective of this work is to systematically review the treatment of these challenges and assess the quality and strength of the findings in the currently available literature. The overall quality and strength were "moderate" and "limited," respectively. Risk of bias due to the exclusion of potential confounding factors and the lack of accuracy of exposure assessment methods were the most prevalent. The omnipresence of endocrine disrupting chemicals and the biological plausibility of the association between prenatal exposure and later development of autism spectrum disorder highlight the need to carry out well-designed epidemiological studies that overcome the methodological challenges observed in the currently available literature in order to be able to inform public policy to prevent exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals and aid in the establishment of predictor variables to facilitate early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and improve long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Marí-Bauset
- Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Peraita-Costa
- Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | | | - Agustín Llopis-González
- Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | | | - Juan Llopis-Morales
- Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - María Morales Suárez-Varela
- Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
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18
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Han HJ, Lee J, Lim G, Park J, Gautam R, Jo J, Kim C, Heo Y. Metal arsenic mediated enhancement of type-2 immunity in brains with altered locomotive activities in mice with autism-like behavioral characteristics. Toxicol Res 2022; 38:27-33. [PMID: 35070938 PMCID: PMC8748561 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-021-00104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to metal arsenic (As) has been proposed as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which are neurodevelopmental disorders with worldwide increasing in its incidence. In the present study, BTBR T + tf/J (BTBR) mice with ASD-like behavioral characteristics and control highly social FVB mice were orally exposed to 0.1 mM arsenic(III)oxide for 4 weeks, and were compared to investigate neuroimmunological or behavioral abnormalities. IgG1:IgG2a ratios in brain tissues from BTBR mice exposed to As (BTBR-As) were significantly higher than those of BTBR-control mice (BTBR-C), but this change did not occur in FVB mice exposed to As. Levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in brain tissue were lowered in BTBR-As relative to BTBR-C, but this tendency was not observed with FVB mice. BTBR-As mice demonstrated decrease in relative travel distance and time spent in the center vs. the periphery of open field arena compared to BTBR-C. Sociability evaluation using three-way chamber test did not clearly demonstrate As-mediated alteration in social interaction in BTBR mice. These findings suggest the potential for As-driven predominant TH2-like reactivity profile in the brain microenvironment of BTBR mice and for As-mediated locomotive impairment probably associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Jung Han
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JaeHee Lee
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - GyeongDong Lim
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JungEun Park
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - Ravi Gautam
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JiHun Jo
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - ChangYul Kim
- Graduate School Department of Toxicology, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Yong Heo
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
- Graduate School Department of Toxicology, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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Dutheil F, Comptour A, Morlon R, Mermillod M, Pereira B, Baker JS, Charkhabi M, Clinchamps M, Bourdel N. Autism spectrum disorder and air pollution: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116856. [PMID: 33714060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the widely-known effects of air pollution, pollutants exposure surrounding pregnancy and the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in newborns remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analyses of the risk of ASD in newborns following air pollution exposure during the perinatal period (preconception to second year of life). The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and ScienceDirect databases were searched for articles, published up to July 2020, with the keywords "air pollution" and "autism". Three models were used for each meta-analysis: a global model based on all risks listed in included articles, a pessimistic model based on less favorable data only, and an optimistic model based on the most favorable data only. 28 studies corresponding to a total of 758 997 newborns were included (47190 ASD and 703980 controls). Maternal exposure to all pollutants was associated with an increased risk of ASD in newborns by 3.9% using the global model and by 12.3% using the optimistic model, while the pessimistic model found no change. Each increase of 5 μg/m3 in particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) was associated with an increased risk of ASD in newborns, regardless of the model used (global +7%, pessimistic +5%, optimistic +15%). This risk increased during preconception (global +17%), during pregnancy (global +5%, and optimistic +16%), and during the postnatal period (global +11% and optimistic +16%). Evidence levels were poor for other pollutants (PM10, NOx, O3, metals, solvents, styrene, PAHs, pesticides). PM2.5 was associated with a greater risk than PM10 (coefficient 0.20, 95CI -0.02 to 0.42), NOx (0.29, 0.08 to 0.50) or solvents (0.24, 0.04 to 0.44). All models revealed that exposure to pollutants, notably PM2.5 during pregnancy, was associated with an increased risk of ASD in newborns. Pregnancy and postnatal periods seem to be the most at-risk periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Dutheil
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Aurélie Comptour
- INSERM, CIC 1405 CRECHE Unit, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Gynecological Surgery, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Roxane Morlon
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculty of Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Bruno Pereira
- University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Biostatistics, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien S Baker
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Physical Education and Health, Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Morteza Charkhabi
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maëlys Clinchamps
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Bourdel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR 6602, Pascal Institute, Endoscopy and Computer Vision Group, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Gynecological Surgery, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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20
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The effects of the exposure to neurotoxic elements on Italian schoolchildren behavior. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9898. [PMID: 33972598 PMCID: PMC8110539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88969-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are constantly increasing on a global scale. Some elements like heavy metals are known to be neurotoxic. In this cross-sectional study we assessed the neurobehavioral effect of the exposure to trace elements including lead, mercury, cadmium, manganese, arsenic and selenium and their interactions among 299 schoolchildren residing in the heavily polluted Taranto area in Italy. Whole blood, urine and hair were collected for metal analyses, while the Child Behavior Checklist and the Social Responsiveness Scale, administered to the main teacher and the mothers were considered to identify behavioral problems in children. Blood lead mainly influenced social problems, aggressive behavior, externalizing and total problems. Urinary arsenic showed an impact on anxiety and depression, somatic problems, attention problems and rule breaking behavior. A significant interaction between lead and arsenic was observed, with a synergistic effect of the two metals increasing the risk of attention problems, aggressive behavior, externalizing problems and total problems. Overall, we were able to test that higher blood lead, urinary arsenic concentrations and their interaction increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems. This is in line with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s priority list of hazardous substances where arsenic and lead are ranked as first and second respectively.
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21
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Abstract
Pregnancy and early childhood are periods with high plasticity in neurological development. Environmental perturbations during these sensitive windows can have lifelong developmental consequences. This review summarizes key findings relevant to the effects of air pollution on neurological development. Mounting evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution, both during pregnancy and childhood, is associated with childhood developmental outcomes ranging from changes in brain structures to subclinical deficits in developmental test scores, and, ultimately, developmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders or autism spectrum disorders. Although the biological mechanisms of effects remain to be elucidated, multiple pathways are probably involved and include oxidative stress, inflammation, and/or endocrine disruption. Given the alarming global increase in developmental disorders in recent years, and increased human exposures to pollution, it is critical to reduce personal and community-level exposures through tight collaboration of interdisciplinary and multi-level bodies including community partners, physicians, industry partners, policy makers, public health practitioners, and researchers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Exposure to air pollution is associated with a range of childhood developmental complications. Biological mechanisms may include oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandie Ha
- Department of Public Health, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
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22
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Yong Z, Dou Y, Gao Y, Xu X, Xiao Y, Zhu H, Li S, Yuan B. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors associated with autism spectrum disorder cases in Xuzhou, China. Transl Pediatr 2021; 10:635-646. [PMID: 33880333 PMCID: PMC8041613 DOI: 10.21037/tp-21-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to explore the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from Xuzhou, China by comparing them with healthy children. METHODS Children with ASD who received rehabilitation training at special education schools and rehabilitation institutions in Xuzhou were selected as the ASD group, and healthy children during the same period were selected as the healthy non-ASD group. A questionnaire based on the possible causes and susceptibility factors of ASD in children was issued and given to all children in this study. RESULTS The findings of the present study revealed a higher prevalence of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors in children with ASD compared with healthy children. There were significantly more males than females in the ASD group, and the proportion of boys to girls was 5.81:1 (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that the risk factors of male children developing ASD were feeding difficulties, poor living environment during pregnancy, maternal exposure to cigarette smoking during pregnancy, and perinatal hypoxia. Factors associated with ASD risk among were identified, such as living environment during pregnancy, delivery method, feeding difficulties, and epilepsy (P<0.05). Feeding difficulties and living in the countryside during pregnancy might be risk factors for ASD in girls according to the logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS This survey confirmed the high prevalence of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors in children with ASD. Some of these factors may be effective entry points for the prevention and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghua Yong
- Children's Neurological Rehabilitation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Dou
- Children's Neurological Rehabilitation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Gao
- Children's Neurological Rehabilitation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xuena Xu
- Children's Neurological Rehabilitation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yanli Xiao
- Children's Neurological Rehabilitation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongjuan Zhu
- Children's Neurological Rehabilitation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shengli Li
- Department of Medical Records, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Baoqiang Yuan
- Children's Neurological Rehabilitation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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23
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Como DH, Stein Duker LI, Polido JC, Cermak SA. Oral Health and Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Unique Collaboration between Dentistry and Occupational Therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:E135. [PMID: 33375475 PMCID: PMC7795681 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at risk for oral health disparities. With the dramatic rise in ASD prevalence to 1 in 54 children, it is likely that an increasing number of dental practitioners will encounter or be asked to treat children with ASD. This paper reviews explanations related to the increasing prevalence of ASD, provides reasons why children with ASD are at increased risk for poor oral health, and discusses unique interprofessional collaborations between dental practitioners and occupational therapists. Occupational therapists and dentists can work together to plan modifications to the dental environment or adapt dental protocols to reduce some of the barriers encountered by those with ASD, provide desensitization strategies before the clinic visit, or help a child with emotional regulation during clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique H. Como
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.I.S.D.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Leah I. Stein Duker
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.I.S.D.); (S.A.C.)
| | - José C. Polido
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Sharon A. Cermak
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.I.S.D.); (S.A.C.)
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24
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Saroukhani S, Samms-Vaughan M, Lee M, Bach MA, Bressler J, Hessabi M, Grove ML, Shakespeare-Pellington S, Loveland KA, Rahbar MH. Perinatal Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jamaican Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:3341-3357. [PMID: 31538260 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04229-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Mode of delivery, preterm birth, and low birth weight (LBW) are hypothesized to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the offspring. Using data from 343 ASD cases (2-8 years) and their age- and sex-matched typically developing controls in Jamaica we investigated these hypotheses. Our statistical analyses revealed that the parish of residence could modify the association between cesarean delivery and ASD, with a difference found in this relationship in Kingston parish [matched odds ratio (MOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 2.30 (1.17-4.53)] and other parishes [MOR (95% CI) 0.87 (0.48-1.59)]. Although the associations of LBW and preterm birth with ASD were not significant, we observed a significant interaction between LBW and the household socioeconomic status. These findings require replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Saroukhani
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Maureen Samms-Vaughan
- Department of Child & Adolescent Health, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - MinJae Lee
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6410 Fannin Street, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.05, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - MacKinsey A Bach
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jan Bressler
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Manouchehr Hessabi
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Megan L Grove
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Katherine A Loveland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Mohammad H Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6410 Fannin Street, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.05, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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25
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Wolter JM, Mao H, Fragola G, Simon JM, Krantz JL, Bazick HO, Oztemiz B, Stein JL, Zylka MJ. Cas9 gene therapy for Angelman syndrome traps Ube3a-ATS long non-coding RNA. Nature 2020; 587:281-284. [PMID: 33087932 PMCID: PMC8020672 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2835-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation or deletion of the maternally inherited UBE3A allele. In neurons, the paternally inherited UBE3A allele is silenced in cis by a long non-coding RNA called UBE3A-ATS. Here, as part of a systematic screen, we found that Cas9 can be used to activate ('unsilence') paternal Ube3a in cultured mouse and human neurons when targeted to Snord115 genes, which are small nucleolar RNAs that are clustered in the 3' region of Ube3a-ATS. A short Cas9 variant and guide RNA that target about 75 Snord115 genes were packaged into an adeno-associated virus and administered to a mouse model of AS during the embryonic and early postnatal stages, when the therapeutic benefit of restoring Ube3a is predicted to be greatest1,2. This early treatment unsilenced paternal Ube3a throughout the brain for at least 17 months and rescued anatomical and behavioural phenotypes in AS mice. Genomic integration of the adeno-associated virus vector into Cas9 target sites caused premature termination of Ube3a-ATS at the vector-derived polyA cassette, or when integrated in the reverse orientation, by transcriptional collision with the vector-derived Cas9 transcript. Our study shows that targeted genomic integration of a gene therapy vector can restore the function of paternally inherited UBE3A throughout life, providing a path towards a disease-modifying treatment for a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Wolter
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hanqian Mao
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Giulia Fragola
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James L Krantz
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah O Bazick
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Baris Oztemiz
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jason L Stein
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark J Zylka
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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26
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Air Pollution-Related Brain Metal Dyshomeostasis as a Potential Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11101098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence links air pollution (AP) exposure to effects on the central nervous system structure and function. Particulate matter AP, especially the ultrafine (nanoparticle) components, can carry numerous metal and trace element contaminants that can reach the brain in utero and after birth. Excess brain exposure to either essential or non-essential elements can result in brain dyshomeostasis, which has been implicated in both neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs; autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDGDs; Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). This review summarizes the current understanding of the extent to which the inhalational or intranasal instillation of metals reproduces in vivo the shared features of NDDs and NDGDs, including enlarged lateral ventricles, alterations in myelination, glutamatergic dysfunction, neuronal cell death, inflammation, microglial activation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered social behaviors, cognitive dysfunction, and impulsivity. Although evidence is limited to date, neuronal cell death, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are reproduced by numerous metals. Understanding the specific contribution of metals/trace elements to this neurotoxicity can guide the development of more realistic animal exposure models of human AP exposure and consequently lead to a more meaningful approach to mechanistic studies, potential intervention strategies, and regulatory requirements.
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27
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Chehbani F, Gallello G, Brahim T, Ouanes S, Douki W, Gaddour N, Cervera Sanz ML. The status of chemical elements in the blood plasma of children with autism spectrum disorder in Tunisia: a case-control study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:35738-35749. [PMID: 32601867 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders defined by a deficit in social interactions and the presence of restricted and stereotypical behaviors or interests. The etiologies of autism remain mostly unknown. Many genetic and environmental factors have been suspected. Among these environmental factors, exposure to several chemical elements has been previously studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of trace elements in the blood plasma of children with ASD with typically developed children (TDC). The participants in this study consisted of 89 children with ASD (14 girls and 74 boys) and 70 TD children (29 girls and 41 boys). The levels of 33 chemical elements have been analyzed by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS). We detected significant differences in the levels of eight elements between the two groups, among which there were three rare earth elements (REEs): Eu, Pr, and Sc (p = 0.000, p = 0.023, and p < 0.001 respectively); four heavy metals: Bi, Tl, Ti, and V (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001 respectively); and one essential element: Cu (p = 0.043). Children with ASD had higher levels of Er, Pr, Sc, Bi, Tl, Ti, and V, and lower levels of Cu in comparison with the TD group. The children exposed to passive smoking had lower levels of lead (Pb) compared with children without exposure (p = 0.018). Four elements (Cr, Er, Dy, and Pr) were negatively correlated to the severity of ASD. The level of Cu was significantly associated with autistic children's behavior (p = 0.014). These results suggest that children with ASD might have abnormal plasma levels of certain chemical elements (including Er, Pr, Sc, Bi, Tl, Ti, and V, and Cu), and some of these elements might be associated with certain clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fethia Chehbani
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Laboratory "Vulnerability to Psychotic Disorders LR 05 ES 10", Monastir University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Gianni Gallello
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Takoua Brahim
- Unite of Child psychiatry, Monastir University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sami Ouanes
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wahiba Douki
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Laboratory "Vulnerability to Psychotic Disorders LR 05 ES 10", Monastir University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
- Biochemistry-Toxicology Laboratory, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Naoufel Gaddour
- Unite of Child psychiatry, Monastir University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Abstract
Based on the analysis of literature, the authors describe the neuropathophysiological mechanism of the formation of synapses, synaptic transmission and plasticity, which may underlie the pathogenesis of autism. The results of some studies confirm the involvement of aberrant expression of genes and proteins of synaptic contacts, cell adhesion molecules p120ctn, CNTN5, CNTN6, activation of NMDA glutamate, TrkB, p75 receptors, Ca2+-input, BDNF, serotonin and testosterone. This leads to an imbalance in the exciting, inhibitory synaptic transmission and forms of synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) at the level of individual neurons and their chains due to suppression of GABA synthesis, expression of its ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, G proteins, NGF, TrkA receptors, a reduction in the number of GABAergic neurons, their contacts and disruption of differentiation. The pathology of the nuclei of the thalamus, especially the reticular nucleus (RN), is associated with a disturbance of the expression of the subunits of metabotropic GABAβ receptors, Ca2+ channels, GABA excretion and the work of chlorine transmitters. These failures do not ensure the inhibitory effect of OC on the exciting associative and ventral nuclei of the thalamus, nor modify the incoming information to the cerebral cortex (CC) from these thalamus nuclei, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the nuclei of the reticular formation. Information propagating into the somatosensory and associative regions of CC is not modified by mirror neurons (MN) when performing arbitrary actions, which prevents the formation of an adequate image in the neural networks of the associative cortex and promotes the development of hyperexcitability, irritability, increased visual and auditory sensitivity, anxiety, and the ability to form a holistic image based on the actions of other people.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Chernov
- Almazov National Medical Research Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia
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29
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Dutheil F, Comptour A, Mermillod M, Pereira B, Clinchamps M, Charkhabi M, Baker JS, Bourdel N. Letter to the Editor: Comment on "Maternal exposure to air pollution and risk of autism in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis". ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:114724. [PMID: 32559872 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Comment on "Maternal exposure to air pollution and risk of autism in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis". Some points and/or limitations of their review and meta-analysis should be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Dutheil
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Aurélie Comptour
- INSERM, CIC 1405 Unité CRECHE, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Gynecology, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Martial Mermillod
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LPNC, Grenoble, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Biostatistics Unit, The Clinical Research and Innovation Direction, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Maelys Clinchamps
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Morteza Charkhabi
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien S Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Nicolas Bourdel
- INSERM, CIC 1405 Unité CRECHE, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Gynecology, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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30
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Gupta UC, Gupta SC. Optimizing Modifiable and Lifestyle-related Factors in the Prevention of Dementia Disorders with Special Reference to Alzheimer, Parkinson and Autism Diseases. CURRENT NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1573401315666190801120306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a syndrome and an umbrella term that encompasses Alzheimer, Parkinson and
autism diseases. These diseases are by far the most common cause of dementia; therefore this investigation
will chiefly include these disorders, with a limited discussion of few other disorders related
to dementia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of cerebral β-amyloid
plaques, tau proteins and memory loss; Parkinson by the deterioration of brain cells which regulate
the movement of body parts and produce dopamine; and autism by abnormalities of social disorder
and difficulty in communicating and forming relationships. Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment
in dementia are age-related and manageable only with early diagnosis and prevention. Data
based on several decades of research has shown that the major factors responsible for the induction
of inflammation in dementia and many chronic diseases are infections, obesity, alcohol, radiation,
environmental pollutants, improper nutrition, lack of physical activity, depression, anxiety, genetic
factors, and sleep deprivation. There are some studied preventive measures for dementia including
continued physical activity and consuming predominantly a plant-based Mediterranean diet comprising
olive oil and foods containing flavonoids and other phytochemicals having strong antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties and along with management of chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umesh C. Gupta
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Charlottetown Research and Development Centre, 440 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Subhas C. Gupta
- The Department of Plastic Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354, United States
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Maes M, Anderson G, Betancort Medina SR, Seo M, Ojala JO. Integrating Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathophysiology: Mitochondria, Vitamin A, CD38, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Melatonergic Alterations in the Placenta and Gut. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4405-4420. [PMID: 31682209 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191102165459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A diverse array of data has been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), reflecting the complexity of its pathophysiology as well as its heterogeneity. Two important hubs have emerged, the placenta/prenatal period and the postnatal gut, with alterations in mitochondria functioning crucial in both. METHODS Factors acting to regulate mitochondria functioning in ASD across development are reviewed in this article. RESULTS Decreased vitamin A, and its retinoic acid metabolites, lead to a decrease in CD38 and associated changes that underpin a wide array of data on the biological underpinnings of ASD, including decreased oxytocin, with relevance both prenatally and in the gut. Decreased sirtuins, poly-ADP ribose polymerase-driven decreases in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), hyperserotonemia, decreased monoamine oxidase, alterations in 14-3-3 proteins, microRNA alterations, dysregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity, suboptimal mitochondria functioning, and decreases in the melatonergic pathways are intimately linked to this. Many of the above processes may be modulating, or mediated by, alterations in mitochondria functioning. Other bodies of data associated with ASD may also be incorporated within these basic processes, including how ASD risk factors such as maternal obesity and preeclampsia, as well as more general prenatal stressors, modulate the likelihood of offspring ASD. CONCLUSION Such a mitochondria-focussed integrated model of the pathophysiology of ASD has important preventative and treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Moonsang Seo
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna O Ojala
- Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Fiłon J, Ustymowicz-Farbiszewska J, Krajewska-Kułak E. Analysis of lead, arsenic and calcium content in the hair of children with autism spectrum disorder. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:383. [PMID: 32204706 PMCID: PMC7092413 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08496-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Explanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most significant challenges for scientists today. It is believed that a major pathogenetic factor of this condition is epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, including toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), aluminium (Al), and arsenic (As)). The nervous system may also be affected by deficiencies of both micro- and macroelements (e.g. calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn)). The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca in the hair of children with ASD and a control group. METHODS The materials for the study comprised hair samples collected from 30 children diagnosed with ASD (case group) and 30 children randomly selected from the general population of Bialystok and surrounding region (control group). Concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca were tested with electron microscopy scanning method. Next, the content of the analyzed elements in the hair was assessed as well as their impact on autism development in the children and the mutual interactions between them. The obtained results were statistically analyzed with Statistica PL 12.5., using the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS Mean Ca level in the hair of the case group was lower than the mean level of this element in the control group. Mean As and Pb concentration in the hair of children with ASD was statistically significantly higher than the mean concentration of this element in the hair of children without neurological disorders. Statistically insignificant weak positive correlations between Ca and As content and negative between Ca and Pb in the hair of children from the case group were noted. Also, statistically significant mean positive correlations between Pb and As were observed. CONCLUSIONS In this small study, according to the observations, children diagnosed with ASD suffer from Ca deficiency and toxic metal overload (As and Pb). These abnormalities may play the main role, as an environmental factor, in the pathogenesis of the analyzed disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Fiłon
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096 Bialystok, Poland
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Zhai Q, Cen S, Jiang J, Zhao J, Zhang H, Chen W. Disturbance of trace element and gut microbiota profiles as indicators of autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study of Chinese children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:501-509. [PMID: 30743242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder that is characterized by impairments of reciprocal social interaction and restricted stereotyped repetitive behavior. The goal of the present study was to investigate the trace element and gut microbiota profiles of Chinese autistic children and screen out potential metallic or microbial indicators of the disease. One hundred and thirty-six children (78 with ASD and 58 healthy controls) aged from 3 to 7 years were enrolled. The levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, copper, zinc, iron, mercury, calcium and magnesium in hair samples from the children were analyzed. Fecal samples were also collected and the children's gut microbiota profiles were characterized by 16s rRNA sequencing. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, copper, zinc, mercury, calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis indicated that the relative abundance of nine genera was increased in the autistic children. Redundancy analysis showed that arsenic and mercury were significantly associated with Parabacteroides and Oscillospira in the gut. A random forest model was trained with high accuracy (84.00%) and the metallic and microbial biomarkers of ASD were established. Our results indicate significant alterations in the trace element and gut microbiota profiles of Chinese children with ASD and reveal the potential pathogenesis of this disease in terms of metal metabolism and gut microecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixiao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PRChina
| | - Shi Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China
| | - Jinchi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China; (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou 225004, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China; National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China; (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou 225004, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China; National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China; Beijing Innovation Centre of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, PR China.
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Role of the Gut Microbiome in Autism Spectrum Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1118:253-269. [PMID: 30747427 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-05542-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorder with elusive etiology and obscure pathophysiology. Cognitive inabilities, impaired communication, repetitive behavior pattern, and restricted social interaction and communication lead to a debilitating situation in autism. The pattern of co-occurrence of medical comorbidities is most intriguing in autism, compared to any other neurodevelopmental disorders. They have an elevated comorbidity burden among which most frequently are seizures, psychiatric illness, and gastrointestinal disorders. The gut microbiota is believed to play a pivotal role in human health and disease through involvement in physiological homoeostasis, immunological development, glutathione metabolism, amino acid metabolism, etc., which in a reasonable way explain the role of gut-brain axis in autism. Branded as a neurodevelopmental disorder with psychiatric impairment and often misclassified as a mental disorder, many experts in the field think that a therapeutic solution to autism is unlikely to emerge. As the pathophysiology is still elusive, taking into account of the various symptoms that are concurrent in autism is important. Gastrointestinal problems that are seen associated with most of the autism cases suggest that it is not just a psychiatric disorder as many claim but have a physiological base, and alleviating the gastrointestinal problems could help alleviating the symptoms by bringing out the much needed overall improvement in the affected victims. A gut disorder akin to Crohn's disease is, sometimes, reported in autistic children, an extremely painful gastrointestinal disease which is named as autistic enterocolitis. This disturbed situation hypothesized to be initiated by dysbiosis or microbial imbalance could in turn perturb the coordination of microbiota-gut-brain axis which is important in human mental health as goes the popular dictum: "fix your gut, fix your brain."
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Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and autism spectrum disorder in children: A case-control study in Tehran, Iran. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 643:1216-1222. [PMID: 30189537 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Nevison C, Blaxill M, Zahorodny W. California Autism Prevalence Trends from 1931 to 2014 and Comparison to National ASD Data from IDEA and ADDM. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:4103-4117. [PMID: 29974300 PMCID: PMC6223814 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Time trends in U.S. autism prevalence from three ongoing datasets [Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, and California Department of Developmental Services (CDDS)] are calculated using two different methods: (1) constant-age tracking of 8 year-olds and (2) age-resolved snapshots. The data are consistent across methods in showing a strong upward trend over time. The prevalence of autism in the CDDS dataset, the longest of the three data records, increased from 0.001% in the cohort born in 1931 to 1.2% among 5 year-olds born in 2012. This increase began around ~ 1940 at a rate that has gradually accelerated over time, including notable change points around birth years 1980, 1990 and, most recently, 2007.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Nevison
- Institute for Alpine and Arctic Research, University of Colorado, Campus Box 450, Boulder, CO, 80309-0450, USA.
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Dórea JG. Multiple low-level exposures: Hg interactions with co-occurring neurotoxic substances in early life. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1863:129243. [PMID: 30385391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
All chemical forms of Hg can affect neurodevelopment; however, low levels of organic Hg (methylmercury-MeHg and ethylmercury-EtHg in Thimerosal-containing vaccines, hereafter 'TCV') exposures during early life (pregnancy and lactation) co-occur with other environmental neurotoxic substances. These neurotoxicants may act in parallel, synergistically, or antagonistically to Hg. Nevertheless, the risks of neurotoxicity associated with multiple neuro-toxicants depend on type, time, combinations of exposure, and environmental and/or genetic-associated factors. Neurological developmental disorders, delays in cognition and behavioral outcomes associated with multiple exposures (which include Hg) may show transient or lasting outcomes depending on constitutional and/or environmental factors that can interact to neutralize, aggravate or attenuate these effects; often these studies are challenging to interpret. During pregnancy and lactation, fish-MeHg exposure is frequently confounded with the opposing effects of neuroactive nutrients (in fish) that lead to positive, negative, or no effects on neurobehavioral tests. In infancy, exposures to acute binary mixtures (TCV- EtHg and Al-adjuvants in infant immunizations) are associated with increased risks of tics and other developmental disorders. Despite the certitude that promulgates single environmental neurotoxicants, empirical comparisons of combined exposures indicate that Hg-related outcome is uneven. Hg in combination with other neurotoxic mixtures may elevate risks of neurotoxicity, but these risks arise in circumstances that are not yet predictable. Therefore, to achieve the goals of the Minamata treaty and to safeguard the health of children, low levels of mercury exposure (in any chemical form) needs to be further reduced whether the source is environmental (air- and food-borne) or iatrogenic (pediatric TCVs).
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil..
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Bjørklund G, Skalny AV, Rahman MM, Dadar M, Yassa HA, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S, Skalnaya MG, Tinkov AA. Toxic metal(loid)-based pollutants and their possible role in autism spectrum disorder. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:234-250. [PMID: 29902778 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and stereotypic behaviors. Many studies support a significant relationship between many different environmental factors in ASD etiology. These factors include increased daily exposure to various toxic metal-based environmental pollutants, which represent a cause for concern in public health. This article reviews the most relevant toxic metals, commonly found, environmental pollutants, i.e., lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al), and the metalloid arsenic (As). Additionally, it discusses how pollutants can be a possible pathogenetic cause of ASD through various mechanisms including neuroinflammation in different regions of the brain, fundamentally occurring through elevation of the proinflammatory profile of cytokines and aberrant expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Due to the worldwide increase in toxic environmental pollution, studies on the role of pollutants in neurodevelopmental disorders, including direct effects on the developing brain and the subjects' genetic susceptibility and polymorphism, are of utmost importance to achieve the best therapeutic approach and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Moscow, Russia
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Heba A Yassa
- Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway; Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
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Zhou H, Zhao W, Ye L, Chen Z, Cui Y. Postnatal low-concentration arsenic exposure induces autism-like behavior and affects frontal cortex neurogenesis in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 62:188-198. [PMID: 30064059 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effects of postnatal low-concentration arsenic exposure on learning, social skills and frontal cortex neurogenesis in rats. Water-based arsenic exposure rat models were established on postnatal days 4-10 (P4-P10). The experimental animals were divided into four groups: the control group, a 15 μg/L As2O3 water group, a 30 μg/L As2O3 water group, and a 45 μg/L As2O3 water group. Cognitive function was examined with the Morris water maze, anxiety-like behavior with the open field test and light-dark box test, and social skills with a social interaction test. The frontal cortices of pups from each experimental group were sectioned at various time points after arsenic exposure. The morphologies and neurogenesis of the neurons in the frontal cortices were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Nissl staining, and doublecortin (DCX) immunostaining. Significant positive correlations between arsenic concentration and deficits in learning and social skills were found, and the arsenic exposure groups showed significant increases in anxiety-like behavior compared with the control group (all Ps<0.05). Abnormal morphologic changes in the external granular layer and external pyramidal layer were positively correlated with the water arsenic concentration in the acute phase of arsenic exposure. However, at five weeks after arsenic exposure, the frontal cortex morphology was restored. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that compared to the control group, the groups that were exposed to arsenic exhibited significantly higher levels of DCX expression in the external granular and external pyramidal layers (all Ps<0.001). Furthermore, the 30 μg/L and 45 μg/L arsenic exposure groups still showed some DCX expression at five weeks after exposure. In conclusion, postnatal low-concentration arsenic exposure impaired learning and social skills and increased anxiety-like behaviors, and abnormal frontal cortex neurogenesis may be the mechanism underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550002, China.
| | | | - Liu Ye
- Otolaryngological Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Zhihe Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Yuxia Cui
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, 550004, China.
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Dickerson AS, Rotem RS, Christian MA, Nguyen VT, Specht AJ. Potential Sex Differences Relative to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Metals. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 4:405-414. [PMID: 28988324 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-017-0164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This study aims to summarize the current body of literature on the relationship between various toxic metals exposures (i.e., aluminum, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on potential sex differences in these associations. RECENT FINDINGS Sex differences in ASD diagnosis and mutagenic effects of toxic exposures indicate that sex differences may play a major part in the causal relationship of any potential associations seen; however, we were only able to find three studies that reported on sex differences in observed associations with toxic metals exposure and ASD. We also found several studies investigating associations between ASD and metals exposures, including 11 on aluminum, 6 on antimony, 15 on arsenic, 5 on beryllium, 17 on cadmium, 11 on chromium, 25 on lead, 14 on manganese, and 13 on nickel with markers of exposure in hair, urine, blood, teeth, fingernails, and air pollution. Results for each metal were conflicting, but studies on cadmium and lead yielded the highest proportion of studies with positive results (72% and 36%, respectively). Based on our examination of existing literature, the current evidence warrants a considerable need for evaluations of sex differences in future studies assessing the association between metals exposures and ASD. Additionally, failure to account for potential sex differences could result in bias and misinterpretation of exposure-disease relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha S Dickerson
- Departments of Epidemiology and Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Environmental and Occupation Medicine and Epidemiology Division of the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Street, Landmark Center L3-125, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ran S Rotem
- Department Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - MacKinsey A Christian
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, and Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vy T Nguyen
- Department Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Aaron J Specht
- Department Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Fordyce TA, Leonhard MJ, Chang ET. A critical review of developmental exposure to particulate matter, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2018; 53:174-204. [PMID: 29157090 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2017.1383121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (ADD/ADHD) are key focuses of current health research due to their increasing prevalence. The objective of this systematic literature search and critical review was to evaluate whether the human epidemiologic data indicate a pattern of association between ASD or ADD/ADHD and developmental exposure to particulate matter (PM), with a focus on exposures encountered before the age of three. A MEDLINE and EMBASE search was conducted; following preliminary and full-text screening, 14 relevant articles were identified for review. Three of the 14 studies were prospective cohort studies evaluating exposure to PM10; 11 studies had a case-control design. There was no consistent association between developmental PM exposure and ASD across the three of the cohort studies. Seven of the case-control studies examined the relationship between PM2.5 and/or PM10 and ASD; four examined the relationship between developmental diesel PM exposure and ASD. Overall, there was low external consistency in results among studies of PM2.5/PM10 and ASD, with some reporting high internal consistency without significant associations, others showing associations with high internal consistency for specific exposure windows only (e.g., third trimester), and still others showing high consistency for moderate to strong associations between PM and ASD. The majority of studies reporting significant results had low effect sizes in conjunction with small sample sizes. The four studies of diesel PM and ASD also had low external consistency of results. Only one study evaluated associations with ADD/ADHD, and it found no significant associations with PM10. The inconsistent findings across studies of developmental exposure to PM and ASD may be attributed to differences in the study populations, exposure assessments, outcome assessments, or chance. Further research is needed to understand the underlying biological mechanisms that lead to ASD and ADD/ADHD and how PM might be involved in those mechanisms, if at all. High-quality epidemiologic studies are also needed to conclusively determine whether developmental PM exposure is a causal factor for ASD or ADD/ADHD, with focus on a well-developed exposure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffani A Fordyce
- a Exponent, Inc., Center for Health Sciences , Menlo Park , California , USA
| | - Megan J Leonhard
- b Exponent, Inc., Center for Health Sciences , Bellevue , Washington , USA
| | - Ellen T Chang
- a Exponent, Inc., Center for Health Sciences , Menlo Park , California , USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to provide a brief description of the complex etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with special emphasis on the recent findings of impaired redox control in ASD, and to suggest a possible model of oxidative stress-specific gene-environment interaction in this group of disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Recent findings point out to the significance of environmental, prenatal, and perinatal factors in ASD but, at the same time, are in favor of the potentially significant oxidative stress-specific gene-environment interaction in ASD. Available evidence suggests an association between both the identified environmental factors and genetic susceptibility related to the increased risk of ASD and the oxidative stress pathway. There might be a potentially significant specific gene-environment interaction in ASD, which is associated with oxidative stress. Revealing novel susceptibility genes (including those encoding for antioxidant enzymes), or environmental factors that might increase susceptibility to ASD in carriers of a specific genotype, might enable the stratification of individuals more prone to developing ASD and, eventually, the possibility of applying preventive therapeutic actions.
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Olympio KPK, Gonçalves CG, Salles FJ, Ferreira APSDS, Soares AS, Buzalaf MAR, Cardoso MRA, Bechara EJH. What are the blood lead levels of children living in Latin America and the Caribbean? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 101:46-58. [PMID: 28159393 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Information on the prevalence of lead exposure is essential to formulate efficient public health policies. Developed countries have implemented successful public policies for the prevention and control of lead poisoning. In the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Union, for instance, periodically repeated prevalence studies show that blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have decreased overall. Although BLL of Latino children in the U.S. have also dropped in recent years, the geometric mean remains higher than that of white children. Little is known about lead exposure in children in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In this review, we responded to two questions: What is currently known about lead sources and levels in children in LAC? Are there public policies to prevent children's exposure to lead in LAC? METHOD We conducted a literature review covering the period from January 2000 to March 2014 in the PubMed and Lilacs databases to obtain English, Portuguese and Spanish language studies reporting the prevalence of BLLs in children aged 0-18years living in LAC countries. No specific analytical method was selected, and given the scarcity of data, the study was highly inclusive. RESULTS Fifty-six papers were selected from 16 different LAC countries. The children's BLLs found in this review are high (≥10μg/dL) compared to BLLs for the same age group in the U. S. However, most studies reported an association with some type of "lead hot spot", in which children can be exposed to lead levels similar to those of occupational settings. Only Peru and Mexico reported BLLs in children from population-based studies. CONCLUSIONS Most BLLs prevalence studies carried out in LAC were in areas with known emission sources. The percentage of children at risk of lead poisoning in LAC is unknown, and probably underestimated. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish public health policies to quantify and prevent lead poisoning, specifically by prioritizing the identification and control of "hot spots".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cláudia Gaudência Gonçalves
- Departamento de Controle Ambiental/Grupo Técnico Permanente de Áreas Contaminadas - Secretaria do Verde e Meio Ambiente de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Junqueira Salles
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Agnes Silva Soares
- Sustainable Development and Health Equity, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Regina Alves Cardoso
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Posar A, Visconti P. Autism in 2016: the need for answers. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2017; 93:111-119. [PMID: 27837654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorders are lifelong and often devastating conditions that severely affect social functioning and self-sufficiency. The etiopathogenesis is presumably multifactorial, resulting from a very complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The dramatic increase in autism spectrum disorder prevalence observed during the last decades has led to placing more emphasis on the role of environmental factors in the etiopathogenesis. The objective of this narrative biomedical review was to summarize and discuss the results of the most recent and relevant studies about the environmental factors hypothetically involved in autism spectrum disorder etiopathogenesis. SOURCES A search was performed in PubMed (United States National Library of Medicine) about the environmental factors hypothetically involved in the non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder etiopathogenesis, including: air pollutants, pesticides and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, electromagnetic pollution, vaccinations, and diet modifications. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS While the association between air pollutants, pesticides and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and risk for autism spectrum disorder is receiving increasing confirmation, the hypothesis of a real causal relation between them needs further data. The possible pathogenic mechanisms by which environmental factors can lead to autism spectrum disorder in genetically predisposed individuals were summarized, giving particular emphasis to the increasingly important role of epigenetics. CONCLUSIONS Future research should investigate whether there is a significant difference in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among nations with high and low levels of the various types of pollution. A very important goal of the research concerning the interactions between genetic and environmental factors in autism spectrum disorder etiopathogenesis is the identification of vulnerable populations, also in view of proper prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annio Posar
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Bologna, Italy; University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paola Visconti
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Bologna, Italy
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Min JY, Min KB. Exposure to ambient PM 10 and NO 2 and the incidence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 99:221-227. [PMID: 27939018 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have implicated air pollution in the causation of neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but definitive evidence of this linkage is lacking. OBJECTIVES We examined the association between cumulative exposure to air pollutants from birth to diagnosis, particularly particulate matter of <10μm (PM10) and nitric dioxide (NO2), and childhood ADHD. METHODS We used the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (2002-2012), a population-wide health insurance claims dataset. A total of 8936 infants (age 0) born between January 2002 and December 2002 were followed-up for a 10-year period (2003-2012). ADHD was defined as per ICD-10 code F90.0. Exposure levels of PM10 and NO2 were extrapolated using geographic information systems and collated with the subjects' administrative district code, and individual exposure levels assigned. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for the development of ADHD, after adjusting for gender, metropolitan area, income, and history of diseases. RESULTS During the study period, ADHD occurred in 314 subjects (3.5%). With the increase in 1μg/m3 of air pollutants, the HRs of childhood ADHD were 1.18 (95% CI: 1.15-1.21) in case of PM10 and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.02-1.04) in case of NO2. Compared with infants with the lowest tertile of PM10 or NO2 exposure, those with the highest tertile of PM10 (HR=3.88; 95% CI: 2.87-5.23) or NO2 (HR=2.10; 95% CI, 1.54-2.85) exposure had a 2 to 3 fold increased risk for ADHD. CONCLUSION Exposure to PM10 and NO2 was associated with the incidence of ADHD in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Young Min
- Institute of Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Bok Min
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Carter CJ, Blizard RA. Autism genes are selectively targeted by environmental pollutants including pesticides, heavy metals, bisphenol A, phthalates and many others in food, cosmetics or household products. Neurochem Int 2016; 101:S0197-0186(16)30197-8. [PMID: 27984170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of autism suggests a major environmental influence. Epidemiology has implicated many candidates and genetics many susceptibility genes. Gene/environment interactions in autism were analysed using 206 autism susceptibility genes (ASG's) from the Autworks database to interrogate ∼1 million chemical/gene interactions in the comparative toxicogenomics database. Any bias towards ASG's was statistically determined for each chemical. Many suspect compounds identified in epidemiology, including tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, pesticides, particulate matter, benzo(a)pyrene, heavy metals, valproate, acetaminophen, SSRI's, cocaine, bisphenol A, phthalates, polyhalogenated biphenyls, flame retardants, diesel constituents, terbutaline and oxytocin, inter alia showed a significant degree of bias towards ASG's, as did relevant endogenous agents (retinoids, sex steroids, thyroxine, melatonin, folate, dopamine, serotonin). Numerous other suspected endocrine disruptors (over 100) selectively targeted ASG's including paraquat, atrazine and other pesticides not yet studied in autism and many compounds used in food, cosmetics or household products, including tretinoin, soy phytoestrogens, aspartame, titanium dioxide and sodium fluoride. Autism polymorphisms influence the sensitivity to some of these chemicals and these same genes play an important role in barrier function and control of respiratory cilia sweeping particulate matter from the airways. Pesticides, heavy metals and pollutants also disrupt barrier and/or ciliary function, which is regulated by sex steroids and by bitter/sweet taste receptors. Further epidemiological studies and neurodevelopmental and behavioural research is warranted to determine the relevance of large number of suspect candidates whose addition to the environment, household, food and cosmetics might be fuelling the autism epidemic in a gene-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Carter
- PolygenicPathways, Flat 2, 40 Baldslow Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2EY, UK.
| | - R A Blizard
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Mental Health Sciences Unit, University College, London, UK
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Lam J, Sutton P, Kalkbrenner A, Windham G, Halladay A, Koustas E, Lawler C, Davidson L, Daniels N, Newschaffer C, Woodruff T. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Multiple Airborne Pollutants and Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161851. [PMID: 27653281 PMCID: PMC5031428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to ambient air pollution is widespread and may be detrimental to human brain development and a potential risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We conducted a systematic review of the human evidence on the relationship between ASD and exposure to all airborne pollutants, including particulate matter air pollutants and others (e.g. pesticides and metals). OBJECTIVE To answer the question: "is developmental exposure to air pollution associated with ASD?" METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature, identified relevant studies using inclusion/exclusion criteria pre-specified in our protocol (registered in PROSPERO, CRD # 42015017890), evaluated the potential risk of bias for each included study and identified an appropriate subset of studies to combine in a meta-analysis. We then rated the overall quality and strength of the evidence collectively across all air pollutants. RESULTS Of 1,158 total references identified, 23 human studies met our inclusion criteria (17 case-control, 4 ecological, 2 cohort). Risk of bias was generally low across studies for most domains; study limitations were related to potential confounding and accuracy of exposure assessment methods. We rated the quality of the body of evidence across all air pollutants as "moderate." From our meta-analysis, we found statistically significant summary odds ratios (ORs) of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.08) per 10-μg/m3 increase in PM10 exposure (n = 6 studies) and 2.32 (95% CI: 2.15, 2.51) per 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure (n = 3 studies). For pollutants not included in a meta-analysis, we collectively evaluated evidence from each study in rating the strength and quality of overall evidence considering factors such as inconsistency, imprecision, and evidence of dose-response. All included studies generally showed increased risk of ASD with increasing exposure to air pollution, although not consistently across all chemical components. CONCLUSION After considering strengths and limitations of the body of research, we concluded that there is "limited evidence of toxicity" for the association between early life exposure to air pollution as a whole and diagnosis of ASD. The strongest evidence was between prenatal exposure to particulate matter and ASD. However, the small number of studies in the meta-analysis and unexplained statistical heterogeneity across the individual study estimates means that the effect could be larger or smaller (including not significant) than these studies estimate. Our research supports the need for health protective public policy to reduce exposures to harmful airborne contaminants among pregnant women and children and suggests opportunities for optimizing future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juleen Lam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Patrice Sutton
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Amy Kalkbrenner
- Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milkwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Gayle Windham
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States of America
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science Foundation, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Erica Koustas
- Scientific consultant to the University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Cindy Lawler
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
| | - Lisette Davidson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | - Natalyn Daniels
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Craig Newschaffer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Tracey Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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