Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are important trace elements for cognitive development and normal neurological functioning. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurological disorder, which has previously been associated with the levels of some trace elements in the blood. However, clinical data regarding the potential implication of Zn and Cu in patients with ASD are still insufficient. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the whole blood levels of Zn and Cu in a cohort of 28 children with ASD and 28 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Whole blood Zn and Cu levels were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometry. Both in the control and in the ASD group, the values of whole blood Cu and Zn were characterized by a Gaussian distribution. The results indicate that the ASD children were characterized by ~10 % (p = 0.005) and ~12 % (p = 0.015) lower levels of whole blood Zn and Zn/Cu ratio, respectively, in comparison to controls. No significant difference in whole blood Cu was observed. However, Cu/Zn ratio was ~15 % (p = 0.008) higher in ASD children than that in the control ones. The results of the present study may be indicative of Zn deficiency in ASD children. Taking into account Zn-mediated up-regulation of metallothionein (MT) gene expression, these findings suggest a possible alteration in the functioning of the neuroprotective MT system. However, further investigations are required to test this hypothesis.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11011-016-9823-0 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Naa15 Haploinsufficiency and De Novo Missense Variants Associate With Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Interfere With Neurogenesis and Neuron Development.
Autism Res
January 2025
Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, MOE Key Laboratory of Rare Pediatric Disease, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a group of conditions that impact brain development and function, exhibiting significant genetic and clinical heterogeneity. NAA15, the auxiliary subunit of the N-terminal acetyltransferase complex, has garnered attention due to its association with NDDs. However, the precise role of NAA15 in cortical development and its contribution to NDDs remain elusive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlutathione, Vitamin C, and Cysteine Use in Autistic Children With Disruptive Behavior: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study.
J Dev Behav Pediatr
January 2025
Department of Pediatrics and Norton Children's Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication differences and restricted interests. One proposed biologic mechanism underlying ASD is oxidative stress, leading to the clinical use of glutathione based on anecdotal reports of improved behavior in autistic children. In this pilot study, we tested this observation using a randomized clinical trial format to collect preliminary data on glutathione safety and efficacy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPromoting playfulness through a play-based occupational therapy intervention: A study protocol.
Afr J Disabil
December 2024
Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Background: Play is integral to optimal childhood development. Occupational therapists often use play to improve play skills. However, when it comes to learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Africa, there is limited research regarding play-based interventions that address the underlying motivators of play, namely, social play and playfulness.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBibliometric analysis of trends in dental management of the children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Discov Ment Health
January 2025
Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
This study aimed to present a complete overview of the trends, difficulties, and improvements in dental treatment for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder through rigorous bibliometric analysis. The dimensional database field was chosen to enable the inclusion and recall of the greatest number of relevant entries. All peer-reviewed international journals published between 2004 and 2023 were included in this study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDifferential Relations Between Parenting and Emotion Regulation in Children with ASD Across Dyadic and Independent Contexts.
J Autism Dev Disord
January 2025
Department of Psychological Science and Claremont Autism Center, Claremont Mckenna College, Claremont, CA, USA.
Many children with ASD exhibit difficulties with emotion regulation that greatly impair functioning. Certain intrinsic correlates of dysregulation have been identified in this population, but the search for potential environmental influences has been less fruitful. The current study examined several aspects of parenting as correlates of observed regulation in Autistic children, as measured in both parent-child and independent regulatory contexts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!