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Tarnowska K, Gruczyńska-Sękowska E, Kowalska D, Majewska E, Kozłowska M, Winkler R. The opioid excess theory in autism spectrum disorders - is it worth investigating further? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021:1-14. [PMID: 34702104 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1996329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are defined as neurodevelopmental disorders, which are highly variable in nature and do not form a uniform picture, either in terms of symptomatology or depth of the disturbance. Diagnosis of ASD is made for children who show signs of impairment in social interaction, communication and cognitive skills. The exact cause of autism spectrum disorders has not been determined to date. Although there is no cure for ASD, a variety interventions have been proposed. The most commonly used restrictive dietary intervention is the gluten-free casein-free diet (GFCF), which is based on the opioid excess theory. This paper summarizes and discusses research on the core elements of the opioid excess theory in ASD: increased levels of opioid peptides in body fluids in ASD patients, increased intestinal permeability, altered peptidase activity and the effectiveness of GFCF diet in alleviating symptoms of ASD. Furthermore, we discuss the difficulties and their causes in conducting research with ASD patients. The assumptions of the opioid excess theory have neither been definitively confirmed nor disproved. Research in this area should continue, taking into account the highest possible quality standards and the specific needs and abilities of patients with ASD and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Tarnowska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Eliza Gruczyńska-Sękowska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kowalska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Majewska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariola Kozłowska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Winkler
- Department of Organizational Behaviors, Cracow University of Economics, Cracow, Poland
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2
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Adams JB, Bhargava A, Coleman DM, Frye RE, Rossignol DA. Ratings of the Effectiveness of Nutraceuticals for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Results of a National Survey. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11090878. [PMID: 34575655 PMCID: PMC8470413 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often involves a wide range of co-occurring medical conditions (“comorbidities”) and biochemical abnormalities such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Nutritional supplements (“Nutraceuticals”) are often used to treat both core ASD symptoms and comorbidities, but some have not yet been formally evaluated in ASD. The potential biological mechanisms of nutraceuticals include correction of micronutrient deficiencies due to a poor diet and support for metabolic processes such as redox regulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and melatonin production. This paper reports on the results of the National Survey on Treatment Effectiveness for Autism, focusing on nutraceuticals. The Survey involved 1286 participants from across the United States. Participants rated the overall perceived benefits and adverse effects of each nutraceutical, and also indicated the specific symptoms changed and adverse effects. From these ratings the top-rated nutraceuticals for each of 24 symptoms are listed. Compared to psychiatric and seizure medications rated through the same Survey, on average nutraceuticals had significantly higher ratings of Overall Benefit (1.59 vs. 1.39, p = 0.01) and significantly lower ratings of Overall Adverse Effects (0.1 vs. 0.9, p < 0.001). Folinic acid and vitamin B12 were two of the top-rated treatments. This study suggests that nutraceuticals may have clinical benefits and favorable adverse effect profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B. Adams
- School of Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 876106, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-480-965-3316
| | - Anisha Bhargava
- Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Devon M. Coleman
- School of Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 876106, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Richard E. Frye
- Section of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA;
| | - Daniel A. Rossignol
- Rossignol Medical Center, 24541 Pacific Park Drive, Suite 210, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA;
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3
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Annaházi A, Schröder A, Schemann M. Region-specific effects of the cysteine protease papain on gastric motility. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e14105. [PMID: 33710722 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papaya is a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal complaints in the folk medicine. On this basis, papain, a cysteine protease of the fruit, is sold as a nutritional supplement, although scientific data on its effects in the gastrointestinal tract are lacking. We aimed to explore the effect of papain on gastric motility in vitro. METHODS Guinea pig antrum and corpus strips were mounted in organ bath. KEY RESULTS Papain reversibly increased the amplitude of ongoing phasic contractions in both circular and longitudinal antrum strips without having an effect on the frequency or on the muscle tone. All three tested doses of papain (end cc.: 12.5 mg L-1 , 50 mg L-1 , 100 mg L-1 ) were similarly effective. Contrarily, in the corpus circular and longitudinal muscle strips, papain caused a dose-dependent relaxation, which was preceded by a transient contraction in most tissues. The effect was resistant to tetrodotoxin (1 µM), but diminished by the cysteine protease inhibitor E64 (4.5 µM) in both regions. In the corpus, L-NAME (100 µM) and the protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 antagonist SCH79797 (5 µM) or the PAR-2 antagonist GB 83 (3 µM) did not change the effect of papain significantly. This demonstrates that the effects of papain are not neurally mediated and nitrergic pathways are not involved in the mechanism. The effects are linked to the enzymatic activity, but not executed via PAR-1 or 2. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Papain alters gastric motility in a region-specific manner, which could at least partly explain its claimed beneficial effects in functional gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Annaházi
- Chair of Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Alexandra Schröder
- Chair of Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Michael Schemann
- Chair of Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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4
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Vartanian C. Overview of Nutritional Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:527-534. [PMID: 32006371 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this chapter is to evaluate the latest research pertinent to nutritional management in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and discuss the effectiveness of dietary interventions, nutritional approaches, and supplementation in ASD. To date, the best conventional treatments for autism have been based on a combination of pharmacotherapy, behavioral treatments, and nutritional/dietary therapy, leading many parents and caregivers to opt for specific dietary interventions in the hope of alleviating the symptoms of their children and helping them cope with this disorder. Thus, the role of a registered dietitian and a nutrition specialist is crucial in planning specific nutritional and dietary interventions tailored to individual needs, to make sure the child's nutritional needs for growth and development are being met. In addition, a careful monitoring of the nutritional status and the positive or negative outcomes pertinent to the planned intervention is a must. Furthermore, numerous studies have also discussed how the maternal diet and specific dietary supplements might affect the behavioral development of children in the first few years of life. A review of the abovementioned nutrition-related key points is discussed in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Vartanian
- Royal Society of Medicine, General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section, London, UK.
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Singh S, Sangam SR, Senthilkumar R. Regulation of Dietary Amino Acids and Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:647-660. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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6
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Fraguas D, Díaz-Caneja CM, Pina-Camacho L, Moreno C, Durán-Cutilla M, Ayora M, González-Vioque E, de Matteis M, Hendren RL, Arango C, Parellada M. Dietary Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2018-3218. [PMID: 31586029 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-3218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Dietary interventions such as restrictive diets or supplements are common treatments for young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Evidence for the efficacy of these interventions is still controversial. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of specific dietary interventions on symptoms, functions, and clinical domains in subjects with ASD by using a meta-analytic approach. DATA SOURCES Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Embase databases. STUDY SELECTION We selected placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trials assessing the efficacy of dietary interventions in ASD published from database inception through September 2017. DATA EXTRACTION Outcome variables were subsumed under 4 clinical domains and 17 symptoms and/or functions groups. Hedges' adjusted g values were used as estimates of the effect size of each dietary intervention relative to placebo. RESULTS In this meta-analysis, we examined 27 double-blind, randomized clinical trials, including 1028 patients with ASD: 542 in the intervention arms and 486 in the placebo arms. Participant-weighted average age was 7.1 years. Participant-weighted average intervention duration was 10.6 weeks. Dietary supplementation (including omega-3, vitamin supplementation, and/or other supplementation), omega-3 supplementation, and vitamin supplementation were more efficacious than the placebo at improving several symptoms, functions, and clinical domains. Effect sizes were small (mean Hedges' g for significant analyses was 0.31), with low statistical heterogeneity and low risk of publication bias. LIMITATIONS Methodologic heterogeneity among the studies in terms of the intervention, clinical measures and outcomes, and sample characteristics. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis does not support nonspecific dietary interventions as treatment of ASD but suggests a potential role for some specific dietary interventions in the management of some symptoms, functions, and clinical domains in patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fraguas
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; .,Centro de Investigaciòn Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Covadonga M Díaz-Caneja
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciòn Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Pina-Camacho
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciòn Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen Moreno
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciòn Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Durán-Cutilla
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Ayora
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emiliano González-Vioque
- Centro de Investigaciòn Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain.,Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain; and
| | - Mario de Matteis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Robert L Hendren
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Celso Arango
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciòn Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Parellada
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciòn Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Doenyas C. Novel Personalized Dietary Treatment for Autism Based on the Gut-Immune-Endocrine-Brain Axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:508. [PMID: 31456745 PMCID: PMC6700238 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition manifesting with impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. In this perspective article, a more comprehensive approach than the gut-brain axis, hereby termed the "gut-immune-endocrine-brain" axis, is taken, based on which a personalized treatment plan for ASD is presented. ASD has no known etiology or cure, making desperate parents willing to try any treatment that worked for an individual with ASD, without much regard for its effectiveness, safety or side effects. This has been the case for restrictive dietary interventions as gluten-free/casein-free and ketogenic diets and recently, probiotics have emerged as the new such fad. One of the concerns about these dietary and probiotic treatments is their non-specificity: they may not be effective for all individuals with ASD, not all probiotic strains may have the beneficial qualities advertised indiscriminately for probiotics, and strains conferring benefits in one condition may not be probiotic in another. Not all children with ASD show immune reactivity to dietary proteins in wheat and milk, and wheat and milk may not be the only dietary elements to which reactivity is exhibited, where dietary aquaporins that resemble human aquaporins may elicit antibody reactivity in genetically susceptible individuals, which may include individuals with ASD. These observations are utilized to formulate a three-step plan to create effective, targeted, personalized treatments with as few side effects as possible, enabled by a systems approach connecting the various findings for dietary, immune, and neuroautoimmune reactivity in individuals with ASD.
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8
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Empirical research evaluating the effects of non-traditional approaches to enhancing sleep in typical and clinical children and young people. Sleep Med Rev 2018; 39:69-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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9
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Sanctuary MR, Kain JN, Angkustsiri K, German JB. Dietary Considerations in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Potential Role of Protein Digestion and Microbial Putrefaction in the Gut-Brain Axis. Front Nutr 2018; 5:40. [PMID: 29868601 PMCID: PMC5968124 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2018.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), characterized by a range of behavioral abnormalities and social deficits, display high incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) co-morbidities including chronic constipation and diarrhea. Research is now increasingly able to characterize the “fragile gut” in these children and understand the role that impairment of specific GI functions plays in the GI symptoms associated with ASD. This mechanistic understanding is extending to the interactions between diet and ASD, including food structure and protein digestive capacity in exacerbating autistic symptoms. Children with ASD and gut co-morbidities exhibit low digestive enzyme activity, impaired gut barrier integrity and the presence of antibodies specific for dietary proteins in the peripheral circulation. These findings support the hypothesis that entry of dietary peptides from the gut lumen into the vasculature are associated with an aberrant immune response. Furthermore, a subset of children with ASD exhibit high concentrations of metabolites originating from microbial activity on proteinaceous substrates. Taken together, the combination of specific protein intakes poor digestion, gut barrier integrity, microbiota composition and function all on a background of ASD represents a phenotypic pattern. A potential consequence of this pattern of conditions is that the fragile gut of some children with ASD is at risk for GI symptoms that may be amenable to improvement with specific dietary changes. There is growing evidence that shows an association between gut dysfunction and dysbiosis and ASD symptoms. It is therefore urgent to perform more experimental and clinical research on the “fragile gut” in children with ASD in order to move toward advancements in clinical practice. Identifying those factors that are of clinical value will provide an evidence-based path to individual management and targeted solutions; from real time sensing to the design of diets with personalized protein source/processing, all to improve GI function in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Sanctuary
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer N Kain
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Kathleen Angkustsiri
- School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - J Bruce German
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Foods for Health Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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10
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Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10030369. [PMID: 29562612 PMCID: PMC5872787 DOI: 10.3390/nu10030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study involved a randomized, controlled, single-blind 12-month treatment study of a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention. Participants were 67 children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 3–58 years from Arizona and 50 non-sibling neurotypical controls of similar age and gender. Treatment began with a special vitamin/mineral supplement, and additional treatments were added sequentially, including essential fatty acids, Epsom salt baths, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and a healthy gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (HGCSF) diet. There was a significant improvement in nonverbal intellectual ability in the treatment group compared to the non-treatment group (+6.7 ± 11 IQ points vs. −0.6 ± 11 IQ points, p = 0.009) based on a blinded clinical assessment. Based on semi-blinded assessment, the treatment group, compared to the non-treatment group, had significantly greater improvement in autism symptoms and developmental age. The treatment group had significantly greater increases in EPA, DHA, carnitine, and vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, and Coenzyme Q10. The positive results of this study suggest that a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention is effective at improving nutritional status, non-verbal IQ, autism symptoms, and other symptoms in most individuals with ASD. Parents reported that the vitamin/mineral supplements, essential fatty acids, and HGCSF diet were the most beneficial.
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11
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Gogou M, Kolios G. The effect of dietary supplements on clinical aspects of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the literature. Brain Dev 2017; 39:656-664. [PMID: 28438367 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2017.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder is associated with significant social and financial burden and no definite treatment for this entity has been identified, yet. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the use of dietary interventions as a complementary therapeutic option for these patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review is to provide high evidence level literature data about the effect of dietary supplements on clinical aspects of children with autism. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Pubmed as the medical database source. Randomized controlled trials conducted in pediatric populations and including measures of clinical outcomes were considered. RESULTS A total of 17 eligible prospective studies were selected. Types of dietary supplements evaluated in these studies included amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins/minerals. N-acetylcysteine was shown to exert a beneficial effect on symptoms of irritability. On the other hand, literature data about the efficacy of d-cycloserine and pyridoxine-magnesium supplements was controversial. No significant effect was identified for fatty acids, N,N-dimethylglycine and inositol. Literature data about ascorbic acid and methyl B12 was few, although some encouraging results were found. No serious adverse events were reported in the vast majority of the studies, while the prevalence of adverse reactions was similar between treatment and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS The use of dietary supplements in children with autism seems to be a safe practice with encouraging data about their clinical efficacy. More studies are needed to further investigate this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gogou
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University General Hospital AHEPA, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - George Kolios
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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12
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Li YJ, Ou JJ, Li YM, Xiang DX. Dietary Supplement for Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Where Are We Now and Where Should We Go? Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:155. [PMID: 28878697 PMCID: PMC5572332 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a class of severe and chronic conditions and core symptoms are deficits in social interaction, language communication impairments, and repetitive/stereotyped behavior. Given the limitations of available treatments and substantially increased prevalence of the disease, additional interventions are needed. Since the use of dietary supplements for ASD is of high prevalence, up-to-date information about those supplements are required for both parents and clinicians. Relevant articles were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and PsychINFO databases (through May 2017). Current best evidences of 22 randomized controlled trials on 8 different dietary supplements for core symptoms of ASD were reviewed. For each supplement, this report focuses on the definition and potential therapeutic mechanisms, the latest advances, and discussion of study limitations and future directions. Most studies were small and short term, and there is little evidence to support effectiveness of dietary supplements for children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian-Jun Ou
- Institute of Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ya-Min Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da-Xiong Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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13
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Frye RE, Rossignol DA. Identification and Treatment of Pathophysiological Comorbidities of Autism Spectrum Disorder to Achieve Optimal Outcomes. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-PEDIATRICS 2016; 10:43-56. [PMID: 27330338 PMCID: PMC4910649 DOI: 10.4137/cmped.s38337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to rise, no effective medical treatments have become standard of care. In this paper we review some of the pathophysiological abnormalities associated with ASD and their potential associated treatments. Overall, there is evidence for some children with ASD being affected by seizure and epilepsy, neurotransmitter dysfunction, sleep disorders, metabolic abnormalities, including abnormalities in folate, cobalamin, tetrahydrobiopterin, carnitine, redox and mitochondrial metabolism, and immune and gastrointestinal disorders. Although evidence for an association between these pathophysiological abnormalities and ASD exists, the exact relationship to the etiology of ASD and its associated symptoms remains to be further defined in many cases. Despite these limitations, treatments targeting some of these pathophysiological abnormalities have been studied in some cases with high-quality studies, whereas treatments for other pathophysiological abnormalities have not been well studied in many cases. There are some areas of more promising treatments specific for ASD including neurotransmitter abnormalities, particularly imbalances in glutamate and acetylcholine, sleep onset disorder (with behavioral therapy and melatonin), and metabolic abnormalities in folate, cobalamin, tetrahydrobiopterin, carnitine, and redox pathways. There is some evidence for treatments of epilepsy and seizures, mitochondrial and immune disorders, and gastrointestinal abnormalities, particularly imbalances in the enteric microbiome, but further clinical studies are needed in these areas to better define treatments specific to children with ASD. Clearly, there are some promising areas of ASD research that could lead to novel treatments that could become standard of care in the future, but more research is needed to better define subgroups of children with ASD who are affected by specific pathophysiological abnormalities and the optimal treatments for these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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14
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Saad K, Eltayeb AA, Mohamad IL, Al-Atram AA, Elserogy Y, Bjørklund G, El-Houfey AA, Nicholson B. A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Digestive Enzymes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 13:188-93. [PMID: 26243847 PMCID: PMC4540030 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2015.13.2.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is growing evidence for a gut-brain connection associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This suggests a potential benefit from introduced digestive enzymes for children with ASD. METHODS We performed a double-blind, randomized clinical trial on 101 children with ASD (82 boys and 19 girls) aged from 3 to 9 years. ASD patients were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria. Structured interviews of at least one hour each both with the parents and the child were performed. Later on, another two hours-session was conducted applying the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). ASD patients were randomized to receive digestive enzymes or placebo. RESULTS The ASD group receiving digestive enzyme therapy for 3 months had significant improvement in emotional response, general impression autistic score, general behavior and gastrointestinal symptoms. Our study demonstrated the usefulness of digestive enzyme in our population of ASD patients. CONCLUSION Digestive enzymes are inexpensive, readily available, have an excellent safety profile, and have mildly beneficial effects in ASD patients. Depending on the parameter measured in our study, we propose digestive enzymes for managing symptoms of ASD. Digestive enzyme therapy may be a possible option in treatment protocols for ASD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Saad
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut,
Egypt
- Address for correspondence: Khaled Saad, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt, Tel: +20-100-608-0182, Fax: +20-88-236-8371, E-mail:
| | - Azza A. Eltayeb
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut,
Egypt
| | - Ismail L. Mohamad
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut,
Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman A. Al-Atram
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Almajmaah University,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser Elserogy
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Assiut University, Assiut,
Egypt
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana,
Norway
| | - Amira A. El-Houfey
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Health Allied, Jazan University,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut,
Egypt
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15
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Frye RE, Slattery J, MacFabe DF, Allen-Vercoe E, Parker W, Rodakis J, Adams JB, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Bolte E, Kahler S, Jennings J, James J, Cerniglia CE, Midtvedt T. Approaches to studying and manipulating the enteric microbiome to improve autism symptoms. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2015; 26:26878. [PMID: 25956237 PMCID: PMC4425814 DOI: 10.3402/mehd.v26.26878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing body of scientific evidence that the health of the microbiome (the trillions of microbes that inhabit the human host) plays an important role in maintaining the health of the host and that disruptions in the microbiome may play a role in certain disease processes. An increasing number of research studies have provided evidence that the composition of the gut (enteric) microbiome (GM) in at least a subset of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) deviates from what is usually observed in typically developing individuals. There are several lines of research that suggest that specific changes in the GM could be causative or highly associated with driving core and associated ASD symptoms, pathology, and comorbidities which include gastrointestinal symptoms, although it is also a possibility that these changes, in whole or in part, could be a consequence of underlying pathophysiological features associated with ASD. However, if the GM truly plays a causative role in ASD, then the manipulation of the GM could potentially be leveraged as a therapeutic approach to improve ASD symptoms and/or comorbidities, including gastrointestinal symptoms. One approach to investigating this possibility in greater detail includes a highly controlled clinical trial in which the GM is systematically manipulated to determine its significance in individuals with ASD. To outline the important issues that would be required to design such a study, a group of clinicians, research scientists, and parents of children with ASD participated in an interdisciplinary daylong workshop as an extension of the 1st International Symposium on the Microbiome in Health and Disease with a Special Focus on Autism (www.microbiome-autism.com). The group considered several aspects of designing clinical studies, including clinical trial design, treatments that could potentially be used in a clinical trial, appropriate ASD participants for the clinical trial, behavioral and cognitive assessments, important biomarkers, safety concerns, and ethical considerations. Overall, the group not only felt that this was a promising area of research for the ASD population and a promising avenue for potential treatment but also felt that further basic and translational research was needed to clarify the clinical utility of such treatments and to elucidate possible mechanisms responsible for a clinical response, so that new treatments and approaches may be discovered and/or fostered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA;
| | - John Slattery
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Derrick F MacFabe
- Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Allen-Vercoe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - John Rodakis
- N of One: Autism Research Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - James B Adams
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ellen Bolte
- N of One: Autism Research Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Kahler
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | - Jill James
- Department of Developmental Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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16
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Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:258589. [PMID: 26064157 PMCID: PMC4439475 DOI: 10.1155/2015/258589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) represents a popular therapeutic option for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, there is a paucity of data regarding the efficacy of CAM in ASD. The aim of the present systematic review is to investigate trials of CAM in ASD. Material and Methods. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Agricola, and Food Science Source. Results. Our literature search identified 2687 clinical publications. After the title/abstract screening, 139 publications were obtained for detailed evaluation. After detailed evaluation 67 studies were included, from hand search of references we retrieved 13 additional studies for a total of 80. Conclusion. There is no conclusive evidence supporting the efficacy of CAM therapies in ASD. Promising results are reported for music therapy, sensory integration therapy, acupuncture, and massage.
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17
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Papain Degrades Tight Junction Proteins of Human Keratinocytes In Vitro and Sensitizes C57BL/6 Mice via the Skin Independent of its Enzymatic Activity or TLR4 Activation. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:1790-1800. [PMID: 25705851 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Papain is commonly used in food, pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetic industries and is known to induce occupational allergic asthma. We have previously shown that the papain-like cysteine protease Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 1 from house dust mite exhibits percutaneous sensitization potential. We aimed here to investigate the potential of papain itself in epicutaneous sensitization. The effects of papain on tight junction (TJ) proteins were tested in vitro in human primary keratinocytes. Using C57BL/6 wild-type and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-deficient mice, we analyzed the sensitization potential of papain, its effects on the skin barrier, and immune cell recruitment. Our results show that papain affects the skin barrier by increasing transepidermal water loss, degrading TJ proteins and inducing vasodilation. When topically applied, papain exhibited a high epicutaneous inflammatory potential by recruiting neutrophils, mast cells, and CD3-positive cells and by induction of a TH2-biased antibody response. However, its high potency for specific sensitization via the skin was TLR4 independent and, in spite of its capacity to degrade epidermal TJ proteins, does not rely on its enzymatic function. From our data, we conclude that papain has all features to act as a strong allergen via the skin.
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18
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Levy SE, Hyman SL. Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2015; 24:117-43. [PMID: 25455579 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There are many treatments in current use for core and associated symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This review discusses the complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments commonly added to conventional interventions for children with ASD, including natural products, mind and body practices, and other biomedical treatments. The article focuses on factors associated with use of CAM, the empirical evidence for the most frequently used treatments, and how clinicians work with families who choose CAM treatments. Some treatments have been ineffective, some have unacceptable potential side effects, and others require more study in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Levy
- Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3550 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Susan L Hyman
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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19
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Abstract
This article provides a conceptual overview for the use of biomedical complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for autism spectrum disorders. Pharmaceutical agents with published studies are briefly mentioned; but the focus of the article is on possible biomedical CAM treatments, the rationale for their use, and the current database of mostly preliminary studies regarding their safety and efficacy. Of the more than 50 treatments currently listed here and in use by eager families, 9 are reviewed in more detail because of their promise from preliminary research studies or because of public interest.
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20
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A review of complementary and alternative treatments for autism spectrum disorders. AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2012; 2012:870391. [PMID: 23243505 PMCID: PMC3515887 DOI: 10.1155/2012/870391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Given the severe and chronic problems associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the limitations of available treatments, there exists a large public health need for additional interventions. As more parents are inquiring about complementary and alternative treatments (CATs), both parents and practitioners require up-to-date information about them and whether and how to integrate them into treatment. After presenting data on CAT usage patterns for ASD, we review 13 ingestible (i.e., orally administered) and 6 noningestible (i.e., externally administered) CATs for ASD. For each CAT we briefly describe its definition; rationale for use; current research support, limitations, and future directions; safety issues; and whether we currently recommend, not recommend, or find it acceptable for the treatment of ASD. We conclude this paper with recommendations for future research and ten clinical recommendations for practitioners.
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