1
|
Dufault RJ, Adler KM, Carpenter DO, Gilbert SG, Crider RA. Nutritional epigenetics education improves diet and attitude of parents of children with autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:159-178. [PMID: 38327893 PMCID: PMC10845225 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i1.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy maternal diet leads to heavy metal exposures from the consumption of ultra-processed foods that may impact gene behavior across generations, creating conditions for the neurodevelopmental disorders known as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with these disorders have difficulty metabolizing and excreting heavy metals from their bloodstream, and the severity of their symptoms correlates with the heavy metal levels measured in their blood. Psychiatrists may play a key role in helping parents reduce their ultra-processed food and dietary heavy metal intake by providing access to effective nutritional epigenetics education. AIM To test the efficacy of nutritional epigenetics instruction in reducing parental ultra-processed food intake. METHODS The study utilized a semi-randomized test and control group pretest-posttest pilot study design with participants recruited from parents having a learning-disabled child with autism or ADHD. Twenty-two parents who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected to serve in the test (n = 11) or control (n = 11) group. The test group participated in the six-week online nutritional epigenetics tutorial, while the control group did not. The efficacy of the nutritional epigenetics instruction was determined by measuring changes in parent diet and attitude using data derived from an online diet survey administered to the participants during the pre and post intervention periods. Diet intake scores were derived for both ultra-processed and whole/organic foods. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to determine any differences in mean diet scores within each group. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the diet scores of the test group between the pre- and post-intervention periods. The parents in the test group significantly reduced their intake of ultra-processed foods with a pre-intervention diet score of 70 (mean = 5.385, SD = 2.534) and a post-intervention diet score of 113 (mean = 8.692, SD = 1.750) and the paired t-test analysis showing a significance of P < 0.001. The test group also significantly increased their consumption of whole and/or organic foods with a pre-intervention diet score of 100 (mean = 5.882, SD = 2.472) and post-intervention diet score of 121 (mean = 7.118, SD = 2.390) and the paired t-test analysis showing a significance of P < 0.05. CONCLUSION Here we show nutritional epigenetics education can be used to reduce ultra-processed food intake and improve attitude among parents having learning-disabled children with autism or ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renee J Dufault
- College of Graduate Health Studies, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO 63501, United States
- Department of Research, Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
| | - Katherine M Adler
- Department of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, United States
| | - David O Carpenter
- Institute for Health and the Environment, School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Steven G Gilbert
- Department of Research, Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
- Department of Research, Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
| | - Raquel A Crider
- Department of Statistics, Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Y, Pang S, Li J, Lu Y, Gao C, Xiao Y, Chen M, Wang M, Ren X. Genetically encoded protein sensors for metal ion detection in biological systems: a review and bibliometric analysis. Analyst 2023; 148:5564-5581. [PMID: 37872814 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01412f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Metal ions are indispensable elements in living organisms and are associated with regulating various biological processes. An imbalance in metal ion content can lead to disorders in normal physiological functions of the human body and cause various diseases. Genetically encoded fluorescent protein sensors have the advantages of low biotoxicity, high specificity, and a long imaging time in vivo and have become a powerful tool to visualize or quantify the concentration level of biomolecules in vivo and in vitro, temporal and spatial distribution, and life activity process. This review analyzes the development status and current research hotspots in the field of genetically encoded fluorescent protein sensors by bibliometric analysis. Based on the results of bibliometric analysis, the research progress of genetically encoded fluorescent protein sensors for metal ion detection is reviewed, and the construction strategies, physicochemical properties, and applications of such sensors in biological imaging are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxueyuan Chen
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - ShuChao Pang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Jingya Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yun Lu
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Chenxia Gao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yanyu Xiao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Meiling Chen
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ren
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kılıçoğlu AG, Zadehgan Afshord T, Derin S, Ertas E, Coskun P, Aktas S, Guler EM. Comparison of Possible Changes in Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage, and Inflammatory Markers in Children/Adolescents Diagnosed with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Children/Adolescents Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2023; 33:325-331. [PMID: 37590480 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2022.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: There has been a debate on whether sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) differs from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there have been many studies on metabolic parameters in relation to ADHD, no similar studies have been conducted on patients with SCT. We investigated whether there are differences between SCT and ADHD in terms of these factors. Subjects and Methods: Sixty-two participants with ages ranging from 11 to 18 who have diagnosis of ADHD (33 subjects) and SCT (29 subjects) were included in this study. The parents of all participants completed the 48-item Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and the Barkley Child Attention Scale (BCAS) forms, and all participants' blood was taken to compare metabolic, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status of the SCT and ADHD groups. A child and adolescent psychiatrist interviewed the parents and children to assess the diagnosis of SCT and ADHD using standard diagnostic procedures. Results: In the comparison between the SCT and ADHD groups in terms of metabolic parameters, statistically significant differences were found in terms of total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, Oxidative Stress Index, total thiol, native thiol, disulfide, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and DNA damage (p < 0.05), but not in terms of tumor necrosis factor-α (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our data showed that these two disorders may be different, but we believe that the data that indicate their differences remain inconclusive overall, but this study may be a potential pathway for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Güven Kılıçoğlu
- Department of Psychology, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Songul Derin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Pınar Coskun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selman Aktas
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eray Metin Guler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Hamidiye School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- Haydarpasa Numune Health Application and Research Center, Clinic of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dufault RJ, Crider RA, Deth RC, Schnoll R, Gilbert SG, Lukiw WJ, Hitt AL. Higher rates of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in American children: Are food quality issues impacting epigenetic inheritance? World J Clin Pediatr 2023; 12:25-37. [PMID: 37034430 PMCID: PMC10075020 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i2.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, schools offer special education services to children who are diagnosed with a learning or neurodevelopmental disorder and have difficulty meeting their learning goals. Pediatricians may play a key role in helping children access special education services. The number of children ages 6-21 in the United States receiving special education services increased 10.4% from 2006 to 2021. Children receiving special education services under the autism category increased 242% during the same period. The demand for special education services for children under the developmental delay and other health impaired categories increased by 184% and 83% respectively. Although student enrollment in American schools has remained stable since 2006, the percentage distribution of children receiving special education services nearly tripled for the autism category and quadrupled for the developmental delay category by 2021. Allowable heavy metal residues remain persistent in the American food supply due to food ingredient manufacturing processes. Numerous clinical trial data indicate heavy metal exposures and poor diet are the primary epigenetic factors responsible for the autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder epidemics. Dietary heavy metal exposures, especially inorganic mercury and lead may impact gene behavior across generations. In 2021, the United States Congress found heavy metal residues problematic in the American food supply but took no legislative action. Mandatory health warning labels on select foods may be the only way to reduce dietary heavy metal exposures and improve child learning across generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renee J Dufault
- Department of Research, Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
- College of Graduate Health Studies, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO 63501, United States
| | - Raquel A Crider
- Department of Research, Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
| | - Richard C Deth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States
| | - Roseanne Schnoll
- Department of Research, Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of CUNY, Brooklyn, NY 11210, United States
| | - Steven G Gilbert
- Department of Research, Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
- Department of Research, Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
| | - Walter J Lukiw
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Amanda L Hitt
- Food Integrity Campaign, Government Accountability Project, Columbia, WA 20006, United States
- Department of Legal, Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vieira JCS, Braga CP, Queiroz JVD, Cavecci-Mendonça B, Oliveira GD, Freitas NGD, Fernandes AAH, Fernandes MDS, Buzalaf MAR, Adamec J, Zara LF, Padilha PDM. The effects of mercury exposure on Amazonian fishes: An investigation of potential biomarkers. Chemosphere 2023; 316:137779. [PMID: 36632955 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury can interfere with the expression of proteins and enzymes, compromise important pathways, such as apoptosis and glucose metabolism, and even induce the expression of metallothioneins. In this study, analytical techniques were used to determine the concentration of total mercury (THg) in muscle and liver tissue, protein pellets, and spots [using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS)], and molecular techniques were used to identify metalloproteins present in mercury-associated protein spots. Thirty individuals from three different fish species, Cichla sp. (n = 10), Brachyplatystoma filamentosum (n = 10), and Semaprochilodus sp. (n = 10) from the Brazilian Amazon were used. Oxidative stress indicators [such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), a marker of lipid peroxidation (LPO)] and the possible expression of metallothioneins in muscle and liver tissues were investigated. The two piscivorous species, Cichla sp. and B. filamentosum, presented the highest concentrations of mercury in their hepatic tissue, 1219 ± 15.00 and 1044 ± 13.6 μg kg-1, respectively, and in their muscle tissue, 101 ± 1.30 μg kg-1 and 87.4 ± 0.900 μg kg-1, respectively. The non-carnivorous species Semaprochilodus sp. had comparatively low concentrations of mercury in both its hepatic (852 ± 11.1 μg kg-1) and muscle (71.4 ± 0.930 μg kg-1) tissues. The presence of mercury was identified in 24 protein spots using GFAAS; concentrations ranged from 11.5 to 787 μg kg-1, and mass spectrometry identified 21 metal-binding proteins. The activities of GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD, related to oxidative stress, decreased proportionally as tissue Hg concentrations increased, while the levels of LPO markers increased, indicating the presence of stress. Our study results demonstrate possible mercury interference in oxidative stress markers (GSH-Px, CAT, SOD, and LPO), in addition to the identification of 21 metal-binding proteins as possible biomarkers of mercury exposure in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - João Vitor de Queiroz
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna Cavecci-Mendonça
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Grasieli de Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Jiri Adamec
- University of Nebraska (UNL), Lincoln, United States
| | - Luiz Fabrício Zara
- University of Brasília (UNB), College of Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Pedro de Magalhães Padilha
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu B, Li L, Xie Q, Li Y, Wang Q. Neurobehavioral effects of cinnabar and the cinnabar-containing pediatric prescription, Yi-Nian-Jin, in juvenile rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 76:127112. [PMID: 36481603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cinnabar, a mercury-containing mineral medicine, has long been widely used in pediatric prescriptions. The safety of cinnabar-containing prescriptions, particularly for children, is drawing increasing attention worldwide. However, whether cinnabar and these pediatric prescriptions have adverse effects on neurobehavior is unknown. Yi-Nian-Jin (YNJ), a classic pediatric prescription, contains 5.66% (w/w) cinnabar, along with other four herbs. YNJ is widely prescribed to promote digestion, eliminate phlegm, and prevent constipation in children (aged 0-6 years). In this study, we used YNJ as an example of cinnabar-containing pediatric prescriptions to determine mercury absorption, distribution, and accumulation and further investigate its potential neurotoxicity in juvenile rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Low (67.9 mg/kg), middle (169.8 mg/kg), and high dose (339.6 mg/kg) of cinnabar, and low (1.2 g/kg), middle (3.0 g/kg), and high dose (6.0 g/kg) of YNJ were used in this study, corresponding to 3, 7.5, and 15 times the clinically equivalent dose, respectively. Juvenile rats were orally administered different doses of cinnabar or YNJ for 14 consecutive days. The mercury content in rat blood and tissues (brain, liver, and kidney) and serum biochemical changes on day 14 of consecutive administration and on day 14 after cessation were measured. Moreover, a series of behavioral assays (open field, elevated plus-maze, and Morris water maze assays) were performed after 14 consecutive days of administration. RESULTS The mercury absorption, distribution, and accumulation of cinnabar and YNJ in juvenile rats were substantially different. Mercury in cinnabar was absorbed to a greater extent than that in YNJ, and the mercury content in cinnabar high-dose group (cinnabar-H) was approximately seven times higher than that in YNJ high-dose group (YNJ-H) on day 14 of administration. In contrast, compared with that of cinnabar, the mercury content in YNJ accumulated more in the tissues, especially in the brain and kidney. Repeated administration of cinnabar or YNJ did not affect liver function, renal function, learning, and memory in juvenile rats. However, repeated administration of YNJ at a high dose (6.0 g/kg) affected locomotor activity in juvenile rats. Repeated administration of cinnabar (339.6 mg/kg) or YNJ (>1.2 g/kg) induced anxiety-related behavior in juvenile rats. CONCLUSIONS Mercury in YNJ exhibited lower absorption but higher accumulation in tissues than those of the mercury in cinnabar. Consecutive oral administration of cinnabar or YNJ had no impact on liver function, renal function, learning, and memory, but could cause motor dysfunction and anxiety in juvenile rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Ludi Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yingzi Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China; Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Beijing 100191, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Beijing 100191, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rambler RM, Rinehart E, Boehmler W, Gait P, Moore J, Schlenker M, Kashyap R. A Review of the Association of Blue Food Coloring With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children. Cureus 2022; 14:e29241. [PMID: 36262950 PMCID: PMC9573786 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
|
8
|
Vieira JCS, de Oliveira G, Cavallini NG, Braga CP, Adamec J, Zara LF, Buzalaf MAR, de Magalhães Padilha P. Investigation of Protein Biomarkers and Oxidative Stress in Pinirampus pirinampu Exposed to Mercury Species from the Madeira River, Amazon-Brazil. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:1872-1882. [PMID: 34482504 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, the scientific community has widely debated the contamination of fish in the Amazon region by mercury species. As the diet of riverside populations in the Amazon region is based mainly on fish, these populations are exposed to mercurial species that can cause serious and irreversible damage to their health. The risks of consuming fish exposed to mercurial species in the Amazon region have motivated toxicological investigations. However, the effect of mercurial species on protein and enzyme levels is still controversial. In this work, analytical and bioanalytical techniques Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [2D-PAGE] Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry [GFAAS], and Mass Spectrometry in Sequence with Electrospray Ionization [ESI-MS/MS] were used to identify proteins associated with mercury (metal-binding protein) in muscle and liver tissues of the fish species Pinirampus pirinampu from the Madeira River, in the Brazilian Amazon. Enzymatic and lipid peroxidation analyses were also used to assess changes related to oxidative stress. Determinations of total mercury by GFAAS indicated higher concentrations in liver tissue (555 ± 19.0 µg kg-1) when compared to muscle tissue (60 ± 2.0 µg kg-1). The fractionation process of tissue proteomes by 2D-PAGE and subsequent mapping of mercury by GFAAS in the protein spots of the gels identified the presence of mercury in three spots of the liver tissue (concentrations in the range of 0.800 to 1.90 mg kg-1). The characterization of protein spots associated with mercury by ESI-MS/MS identified the enzymes triosephosphate isomerase A, adenylate kinase 2 mitochondrial, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as possible candidates for mercury exposure biomarkers. The muscle tissue did not show protein spots associated with mercury. Enzymatic activity decreased proportionally to the increase in mercury concentrations in the tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Grasieli de Oliveira
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jiri Adamec
- University of Nebraska (UNL), Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Luiz Fabrício Zara
- College of Planaltina, University of Brasília (UNB), Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vellingiri B, Aishwarya SY, Benita Jancy S, Sriram Abhishek G, Winster Suresh Babu H, Vijayakumar P, Narayanasamy A, Mariappan S, Sangeetha R, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A, Parthasarathi R, Iyer M. An anxious relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gut Microbiota: A tangled chemistry? J Clin Neurosci 2022; 99:169-189. [PMID: 35286970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder often accompanied by strained social communication, repetitive behaviour, immune dysregulation, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Recent studies have recorded a link between dysbiosis in the gut microbiota (gm) and the primary stages of ASD. A bidirectional connection (also called microbiota-gut-brain-axis) exchanges information between the gut bacteria and central nervous system. When the homeostasis of the microenvironment of the gut is dysregulated, it causes oxidative stress, affecting neuronal cells and neurotransmitters, thereby causing neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies have confirmed a difference in the constitution of gut bacteria among ASD cases and their controls. Numerous studies on animal models of ASD have shown altered gm and its association with abnormal metabolite profile and altered behaviour phenotype. This process happens due to an abnormal metabolite production in gm, leading to changes in the immune system, especially in ASD. Hence, this review aims to question the current knowledge on gm dysbiosis and its related GI discomforts and ASD behavioural symptoms and shed light on the possible therapeutic approaches available to deal with this situation. Thereby, though it is understood that more research might be needed to prove an association or causal relationship between gm and ASD, therapy with the microbiome may also be considered as an effective strategy to combat this issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Y Aishwarya
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Benita Jancy
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G Sriram Abhishek
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Harysh Winster Suresh Babu
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India; Disease Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Padmavathi Vijayakumar
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arul Narayanasamy
- Disease Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sujitha Mariappan
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Sangeetha
- Department of Zoology and Wild Life Biology, Government Arts College, Udhagamandalam 643002, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014 Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramakrishnan Parthasarathi
- Computational Toxicology Facility, Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, Environmental Monitoring and Intervention Hub (DSIR-CRTDH), CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226001 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Livestock Farming and Bioresource Technology, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roy S, Mondal T, Dey D, Mane MV, Panja SS. A New Thiophene‐Appended Fluorescein‐Hydrazone‐Based Chromo‐Fluorogenic Sensor for the Screening of Hg
2+
Ions in Real Water Samples. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202102692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Swapnadip Roy
- Department of Chemistry National Institute of Technology Durgapur Durgapur West Bengal 713209 India
| | - Tapashree Mondal
- Department of Chemistry National Institute of Technology Durgapur Durgapur West Bengal 713209 India
| | - Dhananjay Dey
- Department of Chemical Sciences IISER Mohali Mohali 140306 India
| | - Manoj V. Mane
- KAUST Catalysis Centre King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Sujit S. Panja
- Department of Chemistry National Institute of Technology Durgapur Durgapur West Bengal 713209 India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dufault RJ, Wolle MM, Kingston HMS, Gilbert SG, Murray JA. Connecting inorganic mercury and lead measurements in blood to dietary sources of exposure that may impact child development. World J Methodol 2021; 11:144-159. [PMID: 34322366 PMCID: PMC8299913 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v11.i4.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-natal and post-natal chemical exposures and co-exposures from a variety of sources including contaminated air, water, soil, and food are common and associated with poorer birth and child health outcomes. Poor diet is a contributing factor in the development of child behavioral disorders. Child behavior and learning can be adversely impacted when gene expression is altered by dietary transcription factors such as zinc insufficiency or deficiency or by exposure to toxic substances permitted in our food supply such as mercury, lead, or organophosphate pesticide residue. Children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders exhibit decreased or impaired PON1 gene activity which is needed by the body to metabolize and excrete neurotoxic organophosphate pesticides. In this current review we present an updated macroepigenetic model that explains how dietary inorganic mercury and lead exposures from unhealthy diet may lead to elevated blood mercury and/or lead levels and the development of symptoms associated with the autism and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders. PON1 gene activity may be suppressed by inadequate dietary calcium, selenium, and fatty acid intake or exposures to lead or mercury. The model may assist clinicians in diagnosing and treating the symptoms associated with these childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Recommendations for future research are provided based on the updated model and review of recently published literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renee J Dufault
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
- College of Graduate Health Studies, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO 63501, United States
| | - Mesay M Wolle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - H M Skip Kingston
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Steven G Gilbert
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
- Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
| | - Joseph A Murray
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bhardwaj V, Nurchi VM, Sahoo SK. Mercury Toxicity and Detection Using Chromo-Fluorogenic Chemosensors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:123. [PMID: 33562543 PMCID: PMC7915024 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), this non-essential heavy metal released from both industrial and natural sources entered into living bodies, and cause grievous detrimental effects to the human health and ecosystem. The monitoring of Hg2+ excessive accumulation can be beneficial to fight against the risk associated with mercury toxicity to living systems. Therefore, there is an emergent need of novel and facile analytical approaches for the monitoring of mercury levels in various environmental, industrial, and biological samples. The chromo-fluorogenic chemosensors possess the attractive analytical parameters of low-cost, enhanced detection ability with high sensitivity, simplicity, rapid on-site monitoring ability, etc. This review was narrated to summarize the mercuric ion selective chromo-fluorogenic chemosensors reported in the year 2020. The design of sensors, mechanisms, fluorophores used, analytical performance, etc. are summarized and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Bhardwaj
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat 395007, India;
| | - Valeria M. Nurchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy
| | - Suban K. Sahoo
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat 395007, India;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhou CC, Fu H, Zhang GY, Ma JW, Ni M, Li DJ, Shen FM, Huang F. Effects of low-level mercury exposure on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in preschool children. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021; 208:111642. [PMID: 33396162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mercury (Hg), a ubiquitous heavy metal, could affect the neurodevelopment of the children, however, these associations are still equivocal. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in the central nervous system development in children. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-level mercury exposure on serum BDNF levels and the influence of sex and dietary intake on these relationships in children. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a total of 541 pre-school children were recruited, the blood mercury concentrations and serum BDNF levels were measured. The background information on demographic characteristics and dietary habits of the children was collected through questionnaires. Multivariable linear models after adjustment for potential confounders were used to evaluate the associations between mercury exposure and levels of BDNF in children. RESULTS The GMs of blood mercury concentrations and serum BDNF levels were 1.06 μg/L, 20.4 ng/mL, respectively. A significant positive association between blood mercury concentrations and serum BDNF levels was found. After stratification by sex, the blood mercury concentrations in children were positive associated with serum BDNF levels in girls but not in boys. However, these associations were attenuated when we further adjusted the children's dietary intake variables. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that low-levels of mercury exposure may have sex-specific effects on BDNF levels in young children and that dietary intake may be potential confounders in these relationships. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the role of BDNF in the effects of mercury on neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can-Can Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Wei Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Ming Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Autism has been increasing dramatically since its description by Leo Kanner in 1943. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2018 has identified 1 in 59 children (1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls) has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD are complex conditions in which nutritional and environmental factors play major roles. It is important to understand how food can have an impact on their current and future health. Appealing food colors stimulate the consumption of different food products. Since 2011, it is evident that dyes are linked to harmful effects in children. Artificial dyes have neurotoxic chemicals that aggravate mental health problems. Many families with autistic children avoid food dyes in their diet in order to avoid behavioral issues. A study reported that there is a correlation between yellow dye and sleep disturbance. Food colors Blue 1 and 2, Green 3, Red 3, Yellow 5 and 6, Citrus Red 2, and Red 40 can trigger many behaviors in most kids. Artificial food color usually contains petroleum and is manufactured in a chemical process that includes formaldehyde, aniline, hydroxides, and sulfuric acids. Most impurities in the food color are in the form of salts or acids. Sometimes lead, arsenic, and mercury may be present as impurities. The U.S. FDA is yet to study the effects of synthetic dyes on behavior in children. A study conducted at Southampton University in England found a link between food dyes and hyperactive behavior in children. The research does not prove that food coloring actually causes autism spectrum disorder, but there seems to be a link. This chapter attempts to provide a broad review of the available literature on food color and the epidemiology, etiology, prevention, and treatment of autistic spectrum disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prabasheela Bakthavachalu
- Department of Biotechnology, Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Meenakshi Kannan
- Department of Biotechnology, D.G. Vaishnav College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Walid Qoronfleh
- Research & Policy Department, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Carvalho LVB, Hacon SS, Vega CM, Vieira JA, Larentis AL, Mattos RCOC, Valente D, Costa-Amaral IC, Mourão DS, Silva GP, Oliveira BFA. Oxidative Stress Levels Induced by Mercury Exposure in Amazon Juvenile Populations in Brazil. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E2682. [PMID: 31357573 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress can be induced by mercury (Hg) exposure, including through fish consumption (diet), leading to health risks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between oxidative stress biomarkers and dietary Hg exposure levels in riverine children and adolescents at Madeira River (RO/Brazil). Population from three riverine local communities presenting different fish consumption frequencies was sampled. Hg was determined in blood (ICP-MS) and glutathione (GSH); glutathione S-transferases (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in serum (spectrophotometry). Statistical analyses were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Multiple linear regression models and generalized additives models were also used to estimate the relationships between oxidative stress biomarkers and blood Hg. The juvenile riverine population from Cuniã RESEX presented the highest levels of oxidative stress and Hg levels in blood (GST = 27.2 (4.93) U/L, MDA = 1.69 (0.27) µmol/L, Hg = 20.6 (18.0) µg/L). This population also presented the highest frequency of fish consumption. The positive relation between Hg and GST and MDA, adjusted for individual characteristics, suggests an oxidative effect. This study shows the importance of oxidative stress biomarkers in the evaluation of dietary Hg exposure since initial and reversible metabolic changes were observed, enriching health risk assessments.
Collapse
|
16
|
Akkaya B, Kucukal E, Little JA, Gurkan UA. Mercury leads to abnormal red blood cell adhesion to laminin mediated by membrane sulfatides. Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr 2019; 1861:1162-1171. [PMID: 30890469 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury is associated with numerous health problems, affecting different parts of the human body, including the nervous and cardiovascular systems in adults and children; however, the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. We investigated the role of membrane sulfatide on mercuric ion (Hg2+) mediated red blood cell (RBC) adhesion to a sub-endothelial matrix protein, laminin, using a microfluidic system that mimics microphysiological flow conditions. We exposed whole blood to mercury (HgCl2), at a range of concentrations to mimic acute (high dose) and chronic (low dose) exposure, and examined RBC adhesion to immobilized laminin in microchannels at physiological flow conditions. Exposure of RBCs to both acute and chronic levels of Hg2+ resulted in elevated adhesive interactions between RBCs and laminin depending on the concentration of HgCl2 and exposure duration. BCAM-Lu chimer significantly inhibited the adhesion of RBCs that had been treated with 50 μM of HgCl2 solution for 1 h at 37 °C, while it did not prevent the adhesion of 3 h and 24 h Hg2+-treated RBCs. Sulfatide significantly inhibited the adhesion of RBC that had been treated with 50 μM of HgCl2 solution for 1 h at 37 °C and 0.5 μM of HgCl2 solution for 24 h at room temperature (RT). We demonstrated that RBC BCAM-Lu and RBC sulfatides bind to immobilized laminin, following exposure of RBCs to mercuric ions. The results of this study are significant considering the potential associations between sulfatides, red blood cells, mercury exposure, and cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birnur Akkaya
- Science Faculty, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey; Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erdem Kucukal
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jane A Little
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Umut A Gurkan
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
França FCO, Andrade IS, Lopes Silva MV, Lordêlo MS, Costa RG, Menezes-Filho JA. School meals' centesimal and mineral composition and their nutritional value for Brazilian children. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 48:97-104. [PMID: 29773201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of meals served under the Brazilian National School Meal Program (PNAE) is an important tool to verify its adequacy to the proposed parameters and the nutritional needs of school-aged children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the centesimal and mineral composition of the meals offered by the program and adequacy to the nutritional recommendations in three municipalities of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Centesimal composition of meals was determined according to the reference guidelines and mineral composition was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Non-parametric analysis of variance was used to test the differences of the medians among the municipalities and Student-t test to compare the means between the two sampling periods. There were inadequacies in the carbohydrate, lipid and protein contents, and none of the municipalities reached the recommendation of 20%. Mineral concentration, especially Fe, Se, Cu and K were much lower than expected. Sodium levels were three-folds higher than the recommended, being worrisome due to higher risk of elevated blood pressure. There were inadequacies with regard to the PNAE guidelines, and there is a need to reevaluate the meals that are being offered to better meet childreńs needs and to form healthy habits from childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana C O França
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Iziane S Andrade
- School of Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Araújo Pinho, n° 32, Canela, 40110-150, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Mariangela V Lopes Silva
- Department of Life Sciences, State University of Bahia, R. Silveira Martins, 2555, Cabula, 41200-470, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Maurício S Lordêlo
- Department of Exact Science and Statistics, State University of Feira de Santana, Av. Transnordestina, s/n, Novo Horizonte, 44036-900, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Renata G Costa
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - José A Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Qin YY, Jian B, Wu C, Jiang CZ, Kang Y, Zhou JX, Yang F, Liang Y. A comparison of blood metal levels in autism spectrum disorder and unaffected children in Shenzhen of China and factors involved in bioaccumulation of metals. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2018; 25:17950-17956. [PMID: 29680891 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1957-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study compared blood plasma metals in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with those in unaffected children in Shenzhen (China). Factors associated with the metal bioaccumulation were further investigated. Thirty-four blood samples of children with ASD were collected in a local hospital (Shenzhen Children's Hospital), while those of 38 unaffected children were from a local large public kindergarten, during March to April in 2016. Metal analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The results showed that children with ASD had higher (P < 0.01, 0.05) Pb (ASD 31.9 μg/L, unaffected children 18.6 μg/L), Hg (3.83, and 1.09 μg/L), and Cd (0.70 and 0.26 μg/L) than unaffected children, while essential elements Zn (ASD 4552.0 μg/L, unaffected children 5118.6 μg/L), Se (61.7 and 90.6 μg/L), and Mn (13.5 and 21.4 μg/L) showed an opposite pattern. Moreover, the children exposed to passive smoking had higher (P < 0.05) Cd (passive smoking 1.08 μg/L; non-passive smoking 0.22 μg/L) than those without the exposure. Positive associations were found between levels of Hg or Pb and seafood consumption as well as body mass index (BMI). More future work is needed in order to clarify the association between metal exposure and ASD occurrence in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Qin
- Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Jian
- Shenzhen Public Security, Shenzhen, 518040, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Zi Jiang
- Laboratory for Food Safety and Environmental Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Kang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xiu Zhou
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Yang
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China.
- Speech Therapy Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Liang
- Laboratory for Food Safety and Environmental Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Verlaet AAJ, Maasakkers CM, Hermans N, Savelkoul HFJ. Rationale for Dietary Antioxidant Treatment of ADHD. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10040405. [PMID: 29587355 PMCID: PMC5946190 DOI: 10.3390/nu10040405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing understanding arises regarding disadvantages of stimulant medication in children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This review presents scientific findings supporting dietary antioxidant treatment of ADHD and describes substantial alterations in the immune system, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and oxidative stress regulation in ADHD. As a result, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress could develop, which can lead to ADHD symptoms, for example by chronic T-cell-mediated neuroinflammation, as well as by neuronal oxidative damage and loss of normal cerebral functions. Therefore, modulation of immune system activity and oxidant-antioxidant balance using nutritional approaches might have potential in ADHD treatment. The use of natural antioxidants against oxidative conditions is an emerging field in the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Dietary polyphenols, for example, have antioxidant capacities as well as immunoregulatory effects and, therefore, appear appropriate in ADHD therapy. This review can stimulate the development and investigation of dietary antioxidant treatment in ADHD, which is highly desired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies A J Verlaet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (A104), 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Carlijn M Maasakkers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (A104), 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1 Building 122, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Nina Hermans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (A104), 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Huub F J Savelkoul
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1 Building 122, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dufault R, Schnoll R, Lukiw WJ, LeBlanc B, Cornett C, Patrick L, Wallinga D, Gilbert SG, Crider R. Correction to: Mercury exposure, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disruptions may affect learning in children. Behav Brain Funct 2018; 14:3. [PMID: 29415737 PMCID: PMC5803860 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-018-0136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Roseanne Schnoll
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of CUNY, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Walter J Lukiw
- Departments of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Charles Cornett
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI, USA
| | - Lyn Patrick
- Contributing Editor, Alternative Medicine Review, Durango, CO, USA
| | - David Wallinga
- Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Steven G Gilbert
- Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, 8232 14th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gao ZY, Li MM, Wang J, Yan J, Zhou CC, Yan CH. Blood mercury concentration, fish consumption and anthropometry in Chinese children: A national study. Environ Int 2018; 110:14-21. [PMID: 29113684 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to obtain national cross-sectional data for blood mercury levels and risk factors for mercury exposure in Chinese children aged 0 to 6years to provide evidence to support preventive measures for reducing childhood blood mercury levels. METHODS A multi-stage, stratified, clustered random sampling survey was conducted May 2013-Mar 2015. Shanghai, Jilin, Shanxi, Guangdong, Qinghai, Yunnan and Hubei, which are located in seven different geographical regions in China, were selected as the study field. A total of 14,202 children aged 0-6years participated in the study. Whole-blood venous samples (3ml) were collected from the subjects for mercury exposure assessment. The DMA-80 was applied for mercury detection, and a health questionnaire gathering information on related confounders was completed by the subjects' parents of the subjects after they received guidance from the investigators. A general linear model was used for the primary descriptive statistical analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95%CIs for the risk factors were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 14,202 eligible samples were collected. The mean mercury level was 1.39μg/L. Other results were as follows: median 1.23μg/L, p25 0.86μg/L, p75 1.73μg/L, and GM 1.10μg/L. Of the seven geographical regions, Qinghai, in northwestern China, had a median mercury level of 0.37μg/L, which was significantly lower than the mercury level in Guangdong, in southeastern China (2.01μg/L). The median blood mercury level of children in suburban areas was 1.34μg/L, which was remarkably higher than that of children in rural areas (1.09μg/L). Dichotomous subgroups were generated using the median mercury concentration. Unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that fish consumption may contribute to increased blood mercury levels (p<0.05). Additionally, we observed significantly positive associations between mercury concentrations and the children's anthropometric characteristics (BMI; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Blood mercury concentrations among Chinese children aged 0-6years were considered low, and children who consumed more marine fish, freshwater fish and shellfish tended to have higher mercury concentrations. Our study suggests that children's growth is likely affected by the positive effects of mercury, which may have implications concerning the positive effects of fish consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yan Gao
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Min-Ming Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Ju Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jin Yan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Can-Can Zhou
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Chong-Huai Yan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a key nutritional n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and needs to be supplied by the human diet. High levels of DHA intake appear to reduce the risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and mood disorders. On the basis of these connections between DHA and neurological health, this paper reviews what is currently known about DHA and children neurodevelopment as well as the benefits of DHA intake to prevention of autism and behavior disorders through a selective and representative revision of different papers ranging from pure observational studies to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This review also highlights the issue of DHA bioaccessibility and its implications to the performance of studies. As main conclusions, it can be mentioned that high DHA intake may prevent autism disorder. However, more studies are required to strengthen the connection between autism and dietary DHA. Regarding behavioral disorders, the evidence is also contradictory, thereby raising the need of further studies. From all screened studies on autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other disorders, it can be concluded that study samples should be larger for greater statistical significance and RCTs should be more carefully designed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cardoso
- a Department of Sea and Marine Resources , Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP) , Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, Lisbon , Portugal.,b CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research , University of Porto , Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto , Portugal
| | - Cláudia Afonso
- a Department of Sea and Marine Resources , Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP) , Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, Lisbon , Portugal.,b CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research , University of Porto , Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto , Portugal
| | - Narcisa M Bandarra
- a Department of Sea and Marine Resources , Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP) , Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, Lisbon , Portugal.,b CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research , University of Porto , Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto , Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Babaknejad N, Sayehmiri F, Sayehmiri K, Mohamadkhani A, Bahrami S. The Relationship between Zinc Levels and Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Iran J Child Neurol 2016; 10:1-9. [PMID: 27843460 PMCID: PMC5100031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism is a complex behaviorally defined disorder.There is a relationship between zinc (Zn) levels in autistic patients and development of pathogenesis, but the conclusion is not permanent. MATERIALS & METHODS The present study conducted to estimate this probability using meta-analysis method. In this study, Fixed Effect Model, twelve articles published from 1978 to 2012 were selected by searching Google scholar, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus and information were analyzed. I² statistics were calculated to examine heterogeneity. The information was analyzed using R and STATA Ver. 12.2. RESULTS There was no significant statistical difference between hair, nail, and teeth Zn levels between controls and autistic patients: -0.471 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): -1.172 to 0.231]. There was significant statistical difference between plasma Zn concentration and autistic patients besides healthy controls: -0.253 (95% CI: 0.498 to -0.007). Using a Random Effect Model, the overall Integration of data from the two groups was -0.414 (95% CI: -0.878 to -0.051). CONCLUSION Based on sensitivity analysis, zinc supplements can be used for the nutritional therapy for autistic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Babaknejad
- Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sayehmiri
- Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Kourosh Sayehmiri
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.; Department of Biostatistics, Research Center for Prevention of psychosocial impairment, University of Ilam, Ilam, Iran
| | - Ashraf Mohamadkhani
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somaye Bahrami
- Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hagmeyer S, Mangus K, Boeckers TM, Grabrucker AM. Effects of trace metal profiles characteristic for autism on synapses in cultured neurons. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:985083. [PMID: 25802764 DOI: 10.1155/2015/985083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Various recent studies revealed that biometal dyshomeostasis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Substantial evidence indicates that disrupted neuronal homeostasis of different metal ions such as Fe, Cu, Pb, Hg, Se, and Zn may mediate synaptic dysfunction and impair synapse formation and maturation. Here, we performed in vitro studies investigating the consequences of an imbalance of transition metals on glutamatergic synapses of hippocampal neurons. We analyzed whether an imbalance of any one metal ion alters cell health and synapse numbers. Moreover, we evaluated whether a biometal profile characteristic for ASD patients influences synapse formation, maturation, and composition regarding NMDA receptor subunits and Shank proteins. Our results show that an ASD like biometal profile leads to a reduction of NMDAR (NR/Grin/GluN) subunit 1 and 2a, as well as Shank gene expression along with a reduction of synapse density. Additionally, synaptic protein levels of GluN2a and Shanks are reduced. Although Zn supplementation is able to rescue the aforementioned alterations, Zn deficiency is not solely responsible as causative factor. Thus, we conclude that balancing Zn levels in ASD might be a prime target to normalize synaptic alterations caused by biometal dyshomeostasis.
Collapse
|
25
|
Macedoni-Lukšič M, Gosar D, Bjørklund G, Oražem J, Kodrič J, Lešnik-Musek P, Zupančič M, France-Štiglic A, Sešek-Briški A, Neubauer D, Osredkar J. Levels of metals in the blood and specific porphyrins in the urine in children with autism spectrum disorders. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 163:2-10. [PMID: 25234471 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0121-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of metals in blood (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), aluminium (Al), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg)), as well as the specific porphyrin levels in the urine of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with patients with other neurological disorders. The study was performed in a group of children with ASD (N = 52, average age = 6.2 years) and a control group of children with other neurological disorders (N = 22, average age = 6.6 years), matched in terms of intellectual abilities (Mann-Whitney U = 565.0, p = 0.595). Measurement of metals in blood was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry, while the HPLC method via a fluorescence detector was used to test urinary porphyrin levels. Results were compared across groups using a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). In addition, a generalized linear model was used to establish the impact of group membership on the blood Cu/Zn ratio. In terms of blood levels of metals, no significant difference between the groups was found. However, compared to the control group, ASD group had significantly elevated blood Cu/Zn ratio (Wald χ (2) = 6.6, df = 1, p = 0.010). Additionally, no significant difference between the groups was found in terms of uroporphyrin I, heptacarboxyporphyrin I, hexacarboxyporphyrin and pentacarboxyporphyrin I. However, the levels of coproporphyrin I and coproporphyrin III were lower in the ASD group compared to the controls. Due to observed higher Cu/Zn ratio, it is suggested to test blood levels of Zn and Cu in all autistic children and give them a Zn supplement if needed.
Collapse
|
26
|
Dufault R, Berg Z, Crider R, Schnoll R, Wetsit L, Bulls WT, Gilbert SG, Kingston HMS, Wolle MM, Rahman GMM, Laks DR. Blood inorganic mercury is directly associated with glucose levels in the human population and may be linked to processed food intake. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 2. [PMID: 33889422 PMCID: PMC8059611 DOI: 10.15761/imm.1000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: The goals of the study were (1) to determine the impact of inorganic mercury exposure on glucose homeostasis; and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of two community-based interventions in promoting dietary changes among American Indian college students to reduce risk factors for Type-2 Diabetes including fasting glucose, insulin, and mercury levels, weight, and body mass index. Methods: To accomplish goal one, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset was analyzed using a previously published method to determine if there is a relationship between inorganic blood mercury and fasting glucose. To accomplish goal two, ten college students were recruited and randomly assigned to a group receiving the online macroepigenetics nutrition course and the support group for eliminating corn sweeteners. Participants in both groups were assessed for diet patterns, weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, insulin, and mercury levels. The interventions were implemented over a 10-week period. Results: Analysis of the NHANES data (n=16,232) determined a direct relationship between inorganic mercury in blood and fasting glucose levels (p<0.001). The participants who took the online macroepigenetics nutrition intervention course significantly improved their diets (p<0.01), and fasting blood glucose levels (p<0.01) while having lower levels of inorganic mercury in their blood compared to the subjects in the group who eliminated corn sweeteners from their diet and participated in the support group. The trend in lower blood inorganic mercury was strong with p=0.052. The participants in the support group who eliminated corn sweeteners from their diet achieved significant weight loss (p<0.01) and reduced their body mass index (p<0.01). Conclusion: Total blood mercury levels may be influenced by dietary intake of highly processed foods and lower inorganic mercury levels are associated with lower fasting glucose levels. Alternative community-based interventions emphasizing the role food ingredients and toxic substances play in gene modulation and the development of diseases can result in significant dietary improvements and reductions in risk factors associated with type-2 diabetes. A healthier diet can be promoted among community members using a novel online nutrition course. Consumption of corn sweeteners may be a risk factor in the development of obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renee Dufault
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA.,Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, Montana, USA
| | - Zara Berg
- Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, Montana, USA
| | - Raquel Crider
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA.,Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Roseanne Schnoll
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA.,Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Larry Wetsit
- Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, Montana, USA
| | | | - Steven G Gilbert
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA.,Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - H M Skip Kingston
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mesay Mulugeta Wolle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - G M Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dan R Laks
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nevison CD. A comparison of temporal trends in United States autism prevalence to trends in suspected environmental factors. Environ Health 2014; 13:73. [PMID: 25189402 PMCID: PMC4177682 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-13-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of diagnosed autism has increased rapidly over the last several decades among U.S. children. Environmental factors are thought to be driving this increase and a list of the top ten suspected environmental toxins was published recently. METHODS Temporal trends in autism for birth years 1970-2005 were derived from a combination of data from the California Department of Developmental Services (CDDS) and the United States Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Temporal trends in suspected toxins were derived from data compiled during an extensive literature survey. Toxin and autism trends were compared by visual inspection and computed correlation coefficients. Using IDEA data, autism prevalence vs. birth year trends were calculated independently from snapshots of data from the most recent annual report, and by tracking prevalence at a constant age over many years of reports. The ratio of the snapshot:tracking trend slopes was used to estimate the "real" fraction of the increase in autism. RESULTS The CDDS and IDEA data sets are qualitatively consistent in suggesting a strong increase in autism prevalence over recent decades. The quantitative comparison of IDEA snapshot and constant-age tracking trend slopes suggests that ~75-80% of the tracked increase in autism since 1988 is due to an actual increase in the disorder rather than to changing diagnostic criteria. Most of the suspected environmental toxins examined have flat or decreasing temporal trends that correlate poorly to the rise in autism. Some, including lead, organochlorine pesticides and vehicular emissions, have strongly decreasing trends. Among the suspected toxins surveyed, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, aluminum adjuvants, and the herbicide glyphosate have increasing trends that correlate positively to the rise in autism. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosed autism prevalence has risen dramatically in the U.S over the last several decades and continued to trend upward as of birth year 2005. The increase is mainly real and has occurred mostly since the late 1980s. In contrast, children's exposure to most of the top ten toxic compounds has remained flat or decreased over this same time frame. Environmental factors with increasing temporal trends can help suggest hypotheses for drivers of autism that merit further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia D Nevison
- Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0450, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Xia J, Rocke DM, Perry G, Ray M. Differential network analyses of Alzheimer's disease identify early events in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2014; 2014:721453. [PMID: 25147748 DOI: 10.1155/2014/721453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple brain regions are not affected simultaneously. Comparing the gene expression of the affected regions to identify the differences in the biological processes perturbed can lead to greater insight into AD pathogenesis and early characteristics. We identified differentially expressed (DE) genes from single cell microarray data of four AD affected brain regions: entorhinal cortex (EC), hippocampus (HIP), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and middle temporal gyrus (MTG). We organized the DE genes in the four brain regions into region-specific gene coexpression networks. Differential neighborhood analyses in the coexpression networks were performed to identify genes with low topological overlap (TO) of their direct neighbors. The low TO genes were used to characterize the biological differences between two regions. Our analyses show that increased oxidative stress, along with alterations in lipid metabolism in neurons, may be some of the very early events occurring in AD pathology. Cellular defense mechanisms try to intervene but fail, finally resulting in AD pathology as the disease progresses. Furthermore, disease annotation of the low TO genes in two independent protein interaction networks has resulted in association between cancer, diabetes, renal diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
|
29
|
Yasuda H, Tsutsui T. Assessment of infantile mineral imbalances in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2013; 10:6027-43. [PMID: 24284360 PMCID: PMC3863885 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10116027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The interactions between genes and the environment are now regarded as the most probable explanation for autism. In this review, we summarize the results of a metallomics study in which scalp hair concentrations of 26 trace elements were examined for 1,967 autistic children (1,553 males and 414 females aged 0-15 years-old), and discuss recent advances in our understanding of epigenetic roles of infantile mineral imbalances in the pathogenesis of autism. In the 1,967 subjects, 584 (29.7%) and 347 (17.6%) were found deficient in zinc and magnesium, respectively, and the incidence rate of zinc deficiency was estimated at 43.5% in male and 52.5% in female infantile subjects aged 0-3 years-old. In contrast, 339 (17.2%), 168 (8.5%) and 94 (4.8%) individuals were found to suffer from high burdens of aluminum, cadmium and lead, respectively, and 2.8% or less from mercury and arsenic. High toxic metal burdens were more frequently observed in the infants aged 0-3 years-old, whose incidence rates were 20.6%, 12.1%, 7.5%, 3.2% and 2.3% for aluminum, cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury, respectively. These findings suggest that infantile zinc- and magnesium-deficiency and/or toxic metal burdens may be critical and induce epigenetic alterations in the genes and genetic regulation mechanisms of neurodevelopment in the autistic children, and demonstrate that a time factor "infantile window" is also critical for neurodevelopment and probably for therapy. Thus, early metallomics analysis may lead to early screening/estimation and treatment/prevention for the autistic neurodevelopment disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yasuda
- La Belle Vie Research Laboratory, 8-4 Nihonbashi-Tomizawacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0006, Japan.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Orisakwe OE, Roberts II, Bagbi BM. Elemental Impurities in Nigerian Pediatric Syrups: Mercury in Violation of Standard Guidelines. Am J Ther 2013; 23:e708-13. [PMID: 23676346 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0b013e318281db61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the human exposure to elemental impurities like antimony, tin, and mercury pharmaceutical products in the African environment are scarce and limited. In this study, we determined the concentrations of these elemental impurities in 28 different brands of commonly used pediatric syrups, purchased randomly from patent medicine retail outlets in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The aim of this study was to compare the antimony, tin, and mercury levels in these pediatric syrups with the recommended limits of United States Pharmacopeia. Twenty-eight different pediatric syrups were randomly sampled and purchased using the market basket protocol from pharmacy shops in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria in December 2010. Syrups were ashed before digestion using concentrated aqua regia, HCl: HNO3 (3:1), and antimony, tin, and mercury were analyzed using Unicam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Model 929. The ranges of heavy metal content in these pediatric syrups were 0.54-1.27, 0.86-2.56, and 0.97-5.13 μg/g for antimony, tin, and mercury, respectively. About 75% of the syrups exceeded the United States Pharmacopeia mercury limit of 1.5 μg/g. The estimated or calculated amounts of antimony, tin, and mercury in the 3 most likely administered syrups were 17.15, 64.20, and 34.60 μg of antimony, tin, and mercury, respectively. The daily intake or estimated amount from the ingestion of syrups excluding background exposure (μg metal·kg body weight·d) for a 15-kg child were 1.17, 2.31, and 4.28 for antimony, tin, and mercury, respectively. Mercury content in pediatric syrups may constitute a significant source of heavy metal exposure to children and may be of public health importance in Nigeria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hirayama S, Terasawa K, Rabeler R, Hirayama T, Inoue T, Tatsumi Y, Purpura M, Jäger R. The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Hum Nutr Diet 2013; 27 Suppl 2:284-91. [PMID: 23495677 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder of childhood, affecting 3-5% of school-age children. The present study investigated whether the supplementation of soy-derived phosphatidylserine (PS), a naturally occurring phospholipid, improves ADHD symptoms in children. METHODS Thirty six children, aged 4-14 years, who had not previously received any drug treatment related to ADHD, received placebo (n = 17) or 200 mg day(-1) PS (n = 19) for 2 months in a randomised, double-blind manner. Main outcome measures included: (i) ADHD symptoms based on DSM-IV-TR; (ii) short-term auditory memory and working memory using the Digit Span Test of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; and (iii) mental performance to visual stimuli (GO/NO GO task). RESULTS PS supplementation resulted in significant improvements in: (i) ADHD (P < 0.01), AD (P < 0.01) and HD (P < 0.01); (ii) short-term auditory memory (P < 0.05); and (iii) inattention (differentiation and reverse differentiation, P < 0.05) and inattention and impulsivity (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in other measurements and in the placebo group. PS was well-tolerated and showed no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS PS significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short-term auditory memory in children. PS supplementation might be a safe and natural nutritional strategy for improving mental performance in young children suffering from ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Hirayama
- Department of Early Childhood Education and Care, Kurashiki City College, Okayama, Japan; Daigokyou, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yasuda H, Kobayashi M, Yasuda Y, Tsutsui T. Estimation of autistic children by metallomics analysis. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1199. [PMID: 23383369 PMCID: PMC3563033 DOI: 10.1038/srep01199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Clarification of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders is one of the challenges today. In this study, we examine scalp hair concentrations of 26 trace elements for 1,967 children with autistic disorders (1,553 males and 414 females). Five-hundred and eighty-four (29.7%), 347 (17.6%) and 114 (5.8%) subjects was found deficient in zinc, magnesium and calcium, respectively, and 2.0% or less in the other essential metals. The incidence rate of mineral deficiency was highly observed in infants aged 0-3 year-old. In contrast, 339 (17.2%), 168 (8.5%) and 94 (4.8%) individuals was found suffering from high burden of aluminium, cadmium and lead, and 2.8% or less from mercury and arsenic burden. These findings suggest that infantile zinc- and magnesium-deficiency and/or toxic metal burdens may epigenetically play principal roles as environmental factors in autistic disorders and that metallomics approach may lead to early screening and prevention of the neurodevelopment disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yasuda
- La Belle Vie Research Laboratory, 8-4 Nihonbashi-Tomizawacho , Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Seneff S, Lauritzen A, Davidson R, Lentz-marino L. Is Encephalopathy a Mechanism to Renew Sulfate in Autism? Entropy 2013; 15:372-406. [DOI: 10.3390/e15010372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
34
|
Dufault R, Lukiw WJ, Crider R, Schnoll R, Wallinga D, Deth R. A macroepigenetic approach to identify factors responsible for the autism epidemic in the United States. Clin Epigenetics 2012; 4:6. [PMID: 22490277 PMCID: PMC3378453 DOI: 10.1186/1868-7083-4-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of children ages 6 to 21 in the United States receiving special education services under the autism disability category increased 91% between 2005 to 2010 while the number of children receiving special education services overall declined by 5%. The demand for special education services continues to rise in disability categories associated with pervasive developmental disorders. Neurodevelopment can be adversely impacted when gene expression is altered by dietary transcription factors, such as zinc insufficiency or deficiency, or by exposure to toxic substances found in our environment, such as mercury or organophosphate pesticides. Gene expression patterns differ geographically between populations and within populations. Gene variants of paraoxonase-1 are associated with autism in North America, but not in Italy, indicating regional specificity in gene-environment interactions. In the current review, we utilize a novel macroepigenetic approach to compare variations in diet and toxic substance exposure between these two geographical populations to determine the likely factors responsible for the autism epidemic in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renee Dufault
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Ocean View, HI, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yasuda H, Yoshida K, Yasuda Y, Tsutsui T. Infantile zinc deficiency: association with autism spectrum disorders. Sci Rep 2011; 1:129. [PMID: 22355646 DOI: 10.1038/srep00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of the pathogenesis and effective treatment of autism spectrum disorders is one of the challenges today. In this study, we examine hair zinc concentrations for 1,967 children with autistic disorders (1,553 males and 414 females), and show considerable association with zinc deficiency. Histogram of hair zinc concentration was non-symmetric with tailing in lower range, and 584 subjects were found to have lower zinc concentrations than −2 standard deviation level of its reference range (86.3–193ppm). The incidence rate of zinc deficiency in infant group aged 0–3 year-old was estimated 43.5 % in male and 52.5 % in female. The lowest zinc concentration of 10.7 ppm was detected in a 2-year-old boy, corresponding to about 1/12 of the control mean level. These findings suggest that infantile zinc deficiency may epigenetically contribute to the pathogenesis of autism and nutritional approach may yield a novel hope for its treatment and prevention.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Autism, a member of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), has been increasing dramatically since its description by Leo Kanner in 1943. First estimated to occur in 4 to 5 per 10,000 children, the incidence of autism is now 1 per 110 in the United States, and 1 per 64 in the United Kingdom, with similar incidences throughout the world. Searching information from 1943 to the present in PubMed and Ovid Medline databases, this review summarizes results that correlate the timing of changes in incidence with environmental changes. Autism could result from more than one cause, with different manifestations in different individuals that share common symptoms. Documented causes of autism include genetic mutations and/or deletions, viral infections, and encephalitis following vaccination. Therefore, autism is the result of genetic defects and/or inflammation of the brain. The inflammation could be caused by a defective placenta, immature blood-brain barrier, the immune response of the mother to infection while pregnant, a premature birth, encephalitis in the child after birth, or a toxic environment.
Collapse
|
37
|
Gallagher CM, Meliker JR. Total blood mercury, plasma homocysteine, methylmalonic acid and folate in US children aged 3-5 years, NHANES 1999-2004. Sci Total Environ 2011; 409:1399-1405. [PMID: 21295329 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a known neurotoxicant; however, the relationship between childhood exposures and neurodevelopmental outcomes is uncertain, and may be modified by nutrition-related susceptibilities. In vitro studies found that mercury inhibited methionine synthase, an enzyme that interacts with vitamin B-12 and folate to regenerate the amino acid methionine from homocysteine, and inhibition of methionine synthase diverted homocysteine to cysteine and glutathione synthesis. The relationships between mercury, homocysteine, B-12, and folate have not been examined in children. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate associations between Hg and homocysteine in male and female children differentiated by higher and lower methylmalonic acid (MMA, an indicator of vitamin B-12 deficiency) and folate status. DESIGN Cross-sectional data on total blood mercury (Hg), plasma homocysteine, MMA, and serum folate were obtained from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys for children aged 3-5 years (n=1005). We used multiple linear regression to evaluate relationships between homocysteine and Hg quartiles, stratified by sex, MMA ≥ and folate < sample medians, adjusted for demographic, anthropometric, and environmental factors. RESULTS In boys with higher MMA and lower folate (n=135), but not in other children, we observed inverse associations between homocysteine and Hg. Children with Hg >3.49 μmol/L showed 1.14 μmol/L lower homocysteine (p<0.001) relative to the lowest quartile (≤ 0.70 μmol/L) {p-value for trend<0.001}. Compared to other subsamples, this subsample had significantly higher homocysteine levels. CONCLUSION Hg was inversely correlated with plasma homocysteine in young boys, but not girls, with higher MMA and lower folate. Additional studies are merited to evaluate Hg and amino acid metabolism in susceptible children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Gallagher
- Stony Brook University, School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center Level 3, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review presents a rationale and evidence for contributions of environmental influences and environmentally vulnerable physiology to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies suggest a substantial increase in ASD prevalence above earlier Centers for Disease Control figures of one in 150, only partly explicable by data artifacts, underscoring the possibility of environmental contributors to increased prevalence. Some gene variants in ASD confer altered vulnerability to environmental stressors and exposures. De-novo mutations and advanced parental age as a risk factor for ASD also suggest a role for environment. Systemic and central nervous system pathophysiology, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction can be consistent with a role for environmental influence (e.g. from air pollution, organophosphates, heavy metals) in ASD, and some of the underlying biochemical disturbances (such as abnormalities in glutathione, a critical antioxidant and detoxifier) can be reversed by targeted nutritional interventions. Dietary factors and food contaminants may contribute risk. Improvement and loss of diagnosis in some with ASD suggest brain circuitry amenable to environmental modulation. SUMMARY Prevalence, genetic, exposure, and pathophysiological evidence all suggest a role for environmental factors in the inception and lifelong modulation of ASD. This supports the need for seeking targets for early and ongoing medical prevention and treatment of ASD.
Collapse
|
39
|
Dórea JG. More on low-level non-occupational mercury exposure and health concerns. Sci Total Environ 2010; 408:2008-2010. [PMID: 20149921 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
|