Profiling plasma levels of thiamine and histamine in Jordanian children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): potential biomarkers for evaluation of ASD therapies and diet.

The current work involved monitoring two biomarkers in the plasma of children with ASD: the cofactor thiamine that is involved in neurotransmitters modulation for acetylcholine, and the compound histamine, which acts as a neuromodulator by regulating the release of other neurotransmitters. This is the first report to highlight the potential utilization of plasma levels of the selected two brain-related biomarkers in children with ASD. A total of 43 children with ASD of both genders (age 4-12 years) were involved in this study and compared to age and gender-matched control children ( = 42).

Heavy metals and trace elements in scalp hair samples of children with severe autism spectrum disorder: A case-control study on Jordanian children.

Background: Elemental analysis has been increasingly used for biomonitoring heavy metals and trace elements.

Methods: This study monitored the levels of two heavy metals (Al and Pb), and seven trace elements (Macroelements Mg, K, P and Ca; Microelements Zn, Cu, Fe) in scalp hair of 57 children with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 50 age-matched controls, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry (ICP-AES).

Results: Compared to controls, significantly higher levels of Al (p =  0.

Toxicity of Vipera palaestinae venom and antagonistic effects of methanolic leaf extract of Eryngium creticum lam.

Vipera palaestinae is responsible for many venomous incidents in the Middle East. However, this species is not included in the antigenic pool of venoms for the production of the regionally available polyvalent antivenoms. In an attempt to develop a potential complementary alternative therapy for snakebite patients, this study is investigating the antagonistic effect of Eryngium creticum against V.

Environmental exposure of humans to bromide in the Dead Sea area: Measurement of genotoxicy and apoptosis biomarkers.

Bromide (Br) is a bromine atom with a negative charge which is released mainly in the production of pesticides and flame retardants. It is also found naturally in seawater. Br¯ has been associated with many detrimental effects such as respiratory problems, gastric hemorrhages, and dermal burns.

Molecular and cellular response of earthworm Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) to PCDD/Fs exposure.

The acute toxicity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) was investigated in the earthworm Eisenia andrei using filter paper toxicity test. Protein content, catalase (CAT) activity, and histology of intestinal wall (chloragogen cells and intestinal epithelium) were investigated in earthworms exposed for 48 h to 0 (control), 0.5, 1.