Possible ameliorative effect of breastfeeding and the uptake of human colostrum against coeliac disease in autistic rats

Research Progress on the Role of Vitamin D in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can lead to severe social behavioral difficulties, which mainly manifests as social communication and interaction disorders; narrow interests; and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. In recent years, the prevalence of ASD has increased annually, and it has evolved from a rare disease to one with a high incidence among childhood developmental disorders. The pathogenesis of ASD is considered to be the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. There is increasing evidence that vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and early childhood can lead to the occurrence of ASD. Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D intervention can significantly improve the symptoms of ASD, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, exploring the neuroprotective mechanism of vitamin D against ASD is a huge challenge currently being worked on by current basic and clinical researchers, a task which is of great significance for the clinical promotion and optimization of vitamin D in the treatment of ASD. To further clarify the relationship between vitamin D and ASD, this review summarizes the correlation between vitamin D level and ASD, the effects of vitamin D supplementation on ASD, the possible mechanism of vitamin D involved in ASD, and insights from ASD animal models.

Celiac disease among at-risk individuals in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

To perform a meta-analysis for celiac diseases (CD) among at-risk populations in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), as well as a comparison with our previously reported meta-analysis in the normal population.

METHODS

In March 2018, at King Abdulaziz University,  Jeddah, KSA we commenced a retrospective comprehensive database and journal search for CD among at-risk populations in SA. Data from each of the relevant articles were analyzed using the  Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). and the comprehensive meta-analysis program (CMA). The collected data were part of a retrospective literature review and analysis. Thus, a written ethical approval was not obtained before commencing the study. Results: Sixteen articles were found covering type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM), short stature (SS), and down syndrome (DS). Ages 1-50 years . The prevalence of seropositive-CD was 15.6% with high heterogeneity (I2=80.353), while prevalence of biopsy-proven CD was 10.6% with high heterogeneity (I2=73.359). Another article reported the CD prevalence in the at-risk population as 18.4% for the seroprevalence and  6.9% for the biopsy-proven CD. Anti-transglutaminase (anti-tTG) was used in 12 studies; in the remaining 4 studies (EMA in 2, ARA with AGA in one and no details given in one study). Conclusion: Both the prevalence of biopsy-proven CD (10.6%) and seroprevalence (15.6%) were higher than those we previously reported in the normal population (1.4% and 2.7%). The female-to-male ratio (1.9/1) of CD patients was the same in normal and at-risk populations in SA. Meta-analysis for prevalence of CD in DM, SS, and DS separately in SA is recommended.

Bench to bedside review: Possible role of vitamin D in autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of dysfunctions in social interaction, communication, and behaviors. Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and in individuals increased the risk of ASD. A genetic polymorphism study has pinpointed that genotype AA/A-allele of GC rs4588 in children is associated with ASD, which encodes the vitamin D binding protein. Translating the mentioned points into clinical practice, several clinical trials have demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation can improve the core symptoms in children with ASD. One paper also showed that possible prophylactic effect for the reoccurrence of ASD by vitamin D supplement during pregnancy and early childhood. Herein, this review aims to address the recent advances in this field and to clarify the possible role of vitamin D in ASD.

Behavioral improvements in a valproic acid rat model of autism following vitamin D supplementation

The aim was to identify the effects of early vitamin D supplementation on autism-like behaviors (ASD) induced by valproic acid (VPA, an anti-convulsant and a mood stabilizer) in rats. 10 male Wistar rat pups with prenatal exposure to saline were in control group, and 20 Pups with prenatal exposure to VPA were divided into ASD-N (0.9% saline treated) and ASD-D group (vitamin D 80,000 IU/kg treated) on postnatal day 12. Self-grooming, olfactory habituation/dishabituation, and social interaction tests were conducted to assess social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results showed that compared with the control group, the ASD-N group exhibited increased self-grooming, and decreased pinning and serum 25(OH)D3. Furthermore, the repetitive behavior of the ASD-N group exhibited a negative linear relationship with serum 25(OH)D3 on PND 42. In conclusion, early vitamin D supplementation in infant rat with ASD induced by VPA significantly improved development and behavior of rats related with ASD.

[Research advances in the role of vitamin D in autism spectrum disorders]

The etiology and pathogenic mechanism of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are still unclear. The relationship between vitamin D and ASD has drawn attention in recent years due to common vitamin D deficiency in children with ASD. This article reviews the peripheral blood levels of vitamin D in children with ASD, the possible reasons for hypovitamin D and its possible roles in the etiology of ASD and the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in ASD.

[Research advances in the role of vitamin D in autism spectrum disorders]

The etiology and pathogenic mechanism of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are still unclear. The relationship between vitamin D and ASD has drawn attention in recent years due to common vitamin D deficiency in children with ASD. This article reviews the peripheral blood levels of vitamin D in children with ASD, the possible reasons for hypovitamin D and its possible roles in the etiology of ASD and the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in ASD.