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Ramazani Z, Nakhaee S, Sharafi K, Rezaei Z, Mansouri B. Autism spectrum disorder: Cadmium and mercury concentrations in different biological samples, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of human studies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27789. [PMID: 38496888 PMCID: PMC10944282 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the differences in cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) concentrations between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and controls. In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, three thousand one hundred forty-five studies were collected from scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to October 2022 and were investigated for eligibility. As a result, 37 studies published in the period from 2003 to 2022 met our inclusion criteria and were considered in the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity assumption was evaluated using the Chi-squared-based Q-test and I-squared (I2) statistics. The pooled estimates were shown in the forest plots with Hedges' g (95% confidence interval) values. The random effects model demonstrated that there is no significant difference in the blood (Hedges' g: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.72, p > 0.05), hair (Hedges' g: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.50, p > 0.05), and urinary (Hedges' g: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.76, p > 0.05) Cd levels of the case group versus control subjects. Moreover, the pooled findings of studies showed no significant difference in the blood (Hedges' g: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.09, 3.48, p > 0.05), hair (Hedges' g: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.96, 8.80, p > 0.05), and urinary (Hedges' g: 0.49, 95% CI: 1.29 - 0.30, p > 0.05) Hg concentrations. The results demonstrated no significant differences in Hg and Cd concentrations in different biological samples of children with ASD compared to control subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zana Ramazani
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Kiomars Sharafi
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zaynab Rezaei
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Borhan Mansouri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Benford D, Broberg K, Dogliotti E, Fletcher T, Rylander L, Abrahantes JC, Gómez Ruiz JÁ, Steinkellner H, Tauriainen T, Schwerdtle T. Update of the risk assessment of inorganic arsenic in food. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8488. [PMID: 38239496 PMCID: PMC10794945 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2009 risk assessment on arsenic in food carrying out a hazard assessment of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and using the revised exposure assessment issued by EFSA in 2021. Epidemiological studies show that the chronic intake of iAs via diet and/or drinking water is associated with increased risk of several adverse outcomes including cancers of the skin, bladder and lung. The CONTAM Panel used the benchmark dose lower confidence limit based on a benchmark response (BMR) of 5% (relative increase of the background incidence after adjustment for confounders, BMDL05) of 0.06 μg iAs/kg bw per day obtained from a study on skin cancer as a Reference Point (RP). Inorganic As is a genotoxic carcinogen with additional epigenetic effects and the CONTAM Panel applied a margin of exposure (MOE) approach for the risk characterisation. In adults, the MOEs are low (range between 2 and 0.4 for mean consumers and between 0.9 and 0.2 at the 95th percentile exposure, respectively) and as such raise a health concern despite the uncertainties.
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Stojsavljević A, Lakićević N, Pavlović S. Mercury and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring the Link through Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3344. [PMID: 38137565 PMCID: PMC10741416 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential trace metal with unique neurochemical properties and harmful effects on the central nervous system. In this study, we present a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed research encompassing five crucial clinical matrices: hair, whole blood, plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), and urine. We assess the disparities in Hg levels between gender- and age-matched neurotypical children (controls) and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (cases). After applying rigorous selection criteria, we incorporated a total of 60 case-control studies into our meta-analysis. These studies comprised 25 investigations of Hg levels in hair (controls/cases: 1134/1361), 15 in whole blood (controls/cases: 1019/1345), 6 in plasma (controls/cases: 224/263), 5 in RBCs (controls/cases: 215/293), and 9 in urine (controls/cases: 399/623). This meta-analysis did not include the data of ASD children who received chelation therapy. Our meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in Hg levels in hair and urine between ASD cases and controls. In whole blood, plasma, and RBCs, Hg levels were significantly higher in ASD cases compared to their neurotypical counterparts. This indicates that ASD children could exhibit reduced detoxification capacity for Hg and impaired mechanisms for Hg excretion from their bodies. This underscores the detrimental role of Hg in ASD and underscores the critical importance of monitoring Hg levels in ASD children, particularly in early childhood. These findings emphasize the pressing need for global initiatives aimed at minimizing Hg exposure, thus highlighting the critical intersection of human-environment interaction and neurodevelopment health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- Innovative Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Novak Lakićević
- Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Clinic for Neurosurgery, Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - Slađan Pavlović
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia;
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Stojsavljević A, Lakićević N, Pavlović S. Does Lead Have a Connection to Autism? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. TOXICS 2023; 11:753. [PMID: 37755763 PMCID: PMC10536388 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollutants, particularly toxic trace metals with neurotoxic potential, have been related to the genesis of autism. One of these metals that stands out, in particular, is lead (Pb). We conducted an in-depth systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies on Pb levels in biological materials retrieved from autistic children (cases) and neurotypical children (controls) in this work. A systematic review was conducted after the careful selection of published studies according to established criteria to gain a broad insight into the higher or lower levels of Pb in the biological materials of cases and controls, and the findings were then strengthened by a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 17 studies (hair), 13 studies (whole blood), and 8 studies (urine). The overall number of controls/cases was 869/915 (hair), 670/755 (whole blood), and 344/373 (urine). This meta-analysis showed significantly higher Pb levels in all three types of biological material in cases than in controls, suggesting a higher body Pb burden in autistic children. Thus, environmental Pb exposure could be related to the genesis of autism. Since no level of Pb can be considered safe, the data from this study undoubtedly point to the importance of regularly monitoring Pb levels in autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- Innovative Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Novak Lakićević
- Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Clinic for Neurosurgery, Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - Slađan Pavlović
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia;
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do Nascimento PKDSB, Oliveira Silva DF, de Morais TLSA, de Rezende AA. Zinc Status and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3663. [PMID: 37630853 PMCID: PMC10459732 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the prevalence of which has increased in children and adolescents over the years. Studies point to deficiency of trace elements as one of the factors involved in the etiology of the disorder, with zinc being one of the main trace elements investigated in individuals with ASD. The aim of this review is to summarize scientific evidence about the relationship between zinc status and ASD in children and adolescents. This review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42020157907). The methodological guidelines adopted were in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were selected from an active investigation of the PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, and Google databases to search for observational studies. Fifty-two studies from twenty-two countries were included. The sample sizes ranged from 20 to 2635, and the participants ranged from 2 to 18 years old. Nine types of biological matrices were used, with hair, serum, and plasma being the most frequently used in the evaluation of zinc concentrations. Significant differences in zinc concentrations between the ASD and control groups were observed in 23 studies, of which 19 (36%) showed lower zinc concentrations in the ASD group. The classification of studies according to methodological quality resulted in high, moderate, and low quality in 10, 21, and 21 studies, respectively. In general, we did not observe a significant difference between zinc concentrations of children and adolescents with ASD compared to controls; however, studies point to an occurrence of lower concentrations of Zn in individuals with ASD. This review reveals that more prospective studies with greater methodological rigor should be conducted in order to further characterize this relation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Adriana Augusto de Rezende
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses; Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte—UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil
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Ding M, Shi S, Qie S, Li J, Xi X. Association between heavy metals exposure (cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury) and child autistic disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1169733. [PMID: 37469682 PMCID: PMC10353844 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1169733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have found that toxic heavy metals exposure could induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and is of epigenetic effect, which might be associated with the occurrence of Autistic Disorder (ASD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to elucidate the association between exposure to 4 heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic(As), and mercury (Hg), and the occurrence of ASD in children. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, from their inception to October 2022, for epidemiological investigations that explore the association between exposure to Cd, Pb, As, or Hg and the occurrence of child ASD. Results A total of 53 studies were included, involving 5,054 individuals aged less than 18 (2,533 ASD patients and 2,521 healthy controls). Compared with the healthy controls, in hair and blood tests, concentrations of the 4 heavy metals were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the healthy control group, and the differences in Pb, arsenic and Hg were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the urine test, concentrations of arsenic and Hg were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the healthy control group (P < 0.05), while the results of Cd and Pb were opposite to those of arsenic and Hg (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis for geographic regions showed that ASD patients in Asia and Europe had higher concentrations of the 4 heavy metals, compared with the healthy controls, in which the differences in Pb, arsenic, and Hg were statistically significant (P < 0.05), while in North America, the healthy controls had higher Cd, arsenic, and Hg concentrations (P > 0.05). Conclusion Compared with the healthy control group, the ASD group had higher concentrations of Cd, Pb, arsenic, and Hg. These 4 heavy metals play different roles in the occurrence and progression of ASD. Moreover, there is significant heterogeneity among the included studies due to controversies about the study results among different countries and regions and different sources of detection materials. The results of this study firmly support the policies to limit heavy metals exposure, especially among pregnant women and young children, so as to help reduce the incidence of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Ding
- Correspondence: Mengmeng Ding Shanshan Shi Shuyan Qie
| | - Shanshan Shi
- Correspondence: Mengmeng Ding Shanshan Shi Shuyan Qie
| | - Shuyan Qie
- Correspondence: Mengmeng Ding Shanshan Shi Shuyan Qie
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Ouisselsat M, Maidoumi S, Elmaouaki A, Lekouch N, Pineau A, Sedki A. Hair Trace Elements and Mineral Content in Moroccan Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Case-Control Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2701-2710. [PMID: 35896886 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03365-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) around the world continues to increase while the pathophysiology remains insufficiently elucidated. Genetics, environment, and epigenetic changes are often implicated. Abnormal level in trace elements and minerals is among environmental factors assumed to be involved. The purpose of this article is to assess hair concentrations of toxic and essential elements in children with ASD and children with neurotypical development in the city of Marrakech. Two hundred and twenty-seven children (107 with ASD and 120 controls) aged 3 to 14 years old were recruited. The results of analysis by ICP-MS showed a significant decrease in hair levels of copper, zinc, iron, and selenium (25%, 13%, 17%, 11%) of children with ASD. The most significantly reduced concentrations in children with ASD are that of manganese by 34%. Hair aluminum level was significantly elevated by 29% in ASD compared to controls. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that copper, selenium, and iron content in hair were significantly inversely associated with ASD, similarly, hair aluminum content was significantly associated with ASD. Adjusted model for demographic parameters increased the predictive ability of the model, father's age was a significant predictor. In addition, ASD and gender were significant predictors of hair levels of aluminum, selenium, and manganese.These results support the hypothesis of the disparity of trace elements and minerals levels in children with ASD and highlight the potential interest of micronutrient supplementation in the eventual improvement of ASD symptoms. Future research should explore the pathophysiology of these micronutrient deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ouisselsat
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco.
| | - Sana Maidoumi
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Amal Elmaouaki
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Nadra Lekouch
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Alain Pineau
- Mineral Element Dosing Centre, UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Nantes, 9, rue Bias, 44035 - 44000, Nantes Cedex 1, France
| | - Azeddine Sedki
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
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Nakhaee S, Amirabadizadeh A, Farnia V, Ali Azadi N, Mansouri B, Radmehr F. Association Between Biological Lead Concentrations and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Children: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:1567-1581. [PMID: 35499802 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies have been conducted in different countries of the world to illustrate a link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and lead (Pb) in different specimens such as hair, blood, and urine. Therefore, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between Pb concentration in biological samples (blood, urine, and hair) and ASD in children through case-control and cross-sectional studies. In this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies from January 2000 to February 2022. A random-effects model was used to pool the results. The effect sizes were standardized mean differences (proxied by Hedges' g) followed by a 95% confidence interval. Pooling data under the random effect model from blood and hair studies showed a significant difference between the children in the ASD group and the control group in blood lead level (Hedges' g: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.33-2.09, P = 0.01) and hair level (Hedges' g: 2.20, 95% CI: 0.56-3.85, P = 0.01). For urine studies, pooling data under the random effect model from eight studies indicated no significant difference between the children in the ASD group and control group in urinary lead level (Hedges' g: - 0.34, 95% CI: - 1.14,0.45, P = 0.40). Moreover, the funnel plot and the results of the Egger test for the blood and urine samples showed no publication bias, while, for the hair samples, the funnel plot illustrated the existence of publication bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Amirabadizadeh
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 9717113163, Iran
| | - Vahid Farnia
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nemam Ali Azadi
- Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Mansouri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Farnaz Radmehr
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Liu H, Huang M, Yu X. Blood and hair copper levels in childhood autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis based on case-control studies. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 0:reveh-2022-0256. [PMID: 36933002 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The association between copper levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been a controversial topic. This study investigated relationship between copper levels and ASD. CONTENT The following databases are searched until April 2022: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Combined effect size standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with Stata 12.0. In this meta-analysis, 29 case-control studies were included, which included 2,504 children with ASD and 2,419 healthy controls. The copper levels in hair (SMD: -1.16, 95% CI: -1.73 to -0.58) was significantly lower in ASD children than healthy controls. The copper levels in blood (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.32) not significantly compare ASD with controls. SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK Copper may be associated with the development of ASD in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hezuo Liu
- Ninghai Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ning Bo, China
| | - Minhui Huang
- Ninghai Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ning Bo, China
| | - Xiaomin Yu
- Ninghai Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ning Bo, China
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Zhao G, Liu SJ, Gan XY, Li JR, Wu XX, Liu SY, Jin YS, Zhang KR, Wu HM. Analysis of Whole Blood and Urine Trace Elements in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Autistic Behaviors. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:627-635. [PMID: 35305538 PMCID: PMC9849157 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between trace elements and neurological development is an emerging research focus. We performed a case-control study to explore (1) the differences of 13 trace elements chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), stannum (Sn), stibium (Sb), mercury (Hg), titanium (TI), and plumbum (Pb) concentration in whole blood and urine between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children and their typical development peers, and (2) the association between the 13 trace elements and core behaviors of ASD. Thirty ASD subjects (cases) and 30 age-sex-matched healthy subjects from Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, were recruited. Element analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Autistic behaviors were assessed using Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale (CNBS). The whole blood concentrations of Mo (p = 0.004), Cd (0.007), Sn (p = 0.003), and Pb (p = 0.037) were significantly higher in the ASD cases than in the controls. Moreover, Se (0.393), Hg (0.408), and Mn (- 0.373) concentrations were significantly correlated between whole blood and urine levels in ASD case subjects. There were significant correlations between whole blood Sb (0.406), Tl (0.365), Mo (- 0.4237), Mn (- 0.389), Zn (0.476), and Se (0.375) levels and core behaviors of ASD. Although the mechanism of trace element imbalance in ASD is unclear, these data demonstrate that core behaviors of ASD may be affected by certain trace elements. Further studies are recommended for exploring the mechanism of element imbalance and providing corresponding clinical treatment measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 China
- Department of Child Health Care, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Nanshan District, 1 Wanxia Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518067 China
| | - Si-jin Liu
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, 163319 China
| | - Xin-yu Gan
- Department of Rehabilitation of the Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Headquarters General Hospital, Harbin, 150081 China
- Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, 163319 Heilongjiang China
| | - Jun-ru Li
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, 163319 China
| | - Xiao-xue Wu
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, 163319 China
| | - Si-yan Liu
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, 163319 China
| | - Yi-si Jin
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Daqing, 163000 China
| | - Ke-rang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 China
| | - Hong-mei Wu
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, 163319 China
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Shiani A, Sharafi K, Omer AK, Kiani A, Karamimatin B, Massahi T, Ebrahimzadeh G. A systematic literature review on the association between exposures to toxic elements and an autism spectrum disorder. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159246. [PMID: 36220469 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental illness characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviors. There have been many previous studies of toxic metals in ASD. Therefore, the priority of this study is to review the relationships between exposure to toxic metals and ASD. MATERIALS & METHODS This study was based on a comprehensive search of international databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, for all works related to the subject under discussion from 1982 to 2022. We further summarize published data linked to this topic and discuss with clarifying evidence that agrees and conflicts with the association between exposure to toxic metals, including mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and aluminum (Al) and ASD. RESULTS 40 out of 63 papers met the requirements for meta-analysis. Blood Pb levels (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.81; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.36-1.25), blood Hg (SMD = 0.90; CI: 0.30-1.49), hair Pb (SMD = 1.47; CI: 0.03-2.92), urine As (SMD = 0.65; CI: 0.22-1.09), and urine Al levels (SMD = 0.85; CI: 0.40-1.29) in autistic individuals were significantly higher than those of healthy control (HC). Whereas, blood As levels (SMD = 1.33; CI: -1.32-3.97), hair As (SMD = 0.55; CI: -0.14-1.24), hair Cd (SMD = 0.60; CI: -0.31-1.51), hair Hg (SMD = 0.41; CI: -0.30-1.12), hair Al (SMD = 0.87; CI: -0.02-1.77), urine Pb (SMD = -0.68; CI: -2.55-1.20), urine Cd (SMD = -0.26; CI: -0.94-0.41), and urine Hg levels (SMD = 0.47; CI: -0.09-1.04) in autistic individuals were significantly lower than those of HC. CONCLUSION Toxic metal content significantly differed between individuals with ASD and HC in the current meta-analysis. The results assist in clarifying the significance of toxic metals as environmental factors in the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Shiani
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Clinical Research Development Center, Taleghani and Imam Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kiomars Sharafi
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Abdullah Khalid Omer
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Razga Company, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
| | - Amir Kiani
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center (RMRC), Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behzad Karamimatin
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Tooraj Massahi
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
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12
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Rezaei M, Rezaei A, Esmaeili A, Nakhaee S, Azadi NA, Mansouri B. A case-control study on the relationship between urine trace element levels and autism spectrum disorder among Iranian children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:57287-57295. [PMID: 35352223 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19933-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder characterized mainly by qualitative deficiencies in social communication skills, accompanied by repetitive and restricted behavior patterns. This study was conducted to investigate the associations between the risk of ASD development in children and exposure to trace elements (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)). Two groups of children, including 44 ASD and 35 typically developing (TD) children, were selected, and their fasting urine samples were obtained. The concentration levels of trace elements were assayed using ICP-MS. The results showed that as compared to the TD group, the concentration levels of As (p = 0.002) and Pb (p < 0.001) and also Cr (p < 0.001), Cu (p = 0.001), and Ni (p < 0.001) were significantly higher among ASD children. In terms of gender, boys with ASD showed elevated levels of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, whereas the urine levels of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb were markedly higher among girls when compared to the non-ASD children. Under the logistic regression model, the risk difference for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn remained significant when adjustment was applied for age and gender confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezaei
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Azam Rezaei
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Esmaeili
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Nemam Ali Azadi
- Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Mansouri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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13
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Błażewicz A, Grywalska E, Macek P, Mertowska P, Mertowski S, Wojnicka J, Durante N, Makarewicz A. Research into the Association of Cadmium and Manganese Excretion with Thyroid Function and Behavioral Areas in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030579. [PMID: 35160030 PMCID: PMC8837100 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid dysfunction and toxic metal exposure have been linked to the increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, the relationship between those factors remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the serum level of hormones, namely thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and urinary cadmium (U-Cd) and urinary manganese (U-Mn), in patients with ASD. The study group consisted of 129 adolescents with ASD, and the control group consisted of 86 healthy persons. Ion chromatography with spectrophotometric detection (IC-UV/ViS) was used to quantitatively determine Cd and Mn in all 24-h urine samples. These results indicate that severity of certain symptoms in autism is associated with thyroid function. Correlation analysis between Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) results and the content of both U-Mn and U-Cd as well as fT3, fT4 and TSH values in ASD patients showed significantly positive correlation of CARS7 (visual reaction) with fT3 and fT4 and a negative correlation with TSH for the whole study group. In the group of adolescents over 14 years of age, it was also observed that CARS10 (anxiety reaction) negatively correlates with serum TSH levels, and among younger individuals, CARS9 (near receptor responsiveness, taste, smell) positively correlates with TSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Błażewicz
- Department of Pathobiochemistry and Interdisciplinary Applications of Ion Chromatography, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.W.); (N.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81448-7300
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.G.); (P.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Paweł Macek
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-713 Kielce, Poland;
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
| | - Paulina Mertowska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.G.); (P.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Sebastian Mertowski
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.G.); (P.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Julia Wojnicka
- Department of Pathobiochemistry and Interdisciplinary Applications of Ion Chromatography, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.W.); (N.D.)
| | - Nicolo Durante
- Department of Pathobiochemistry and Interdisciplinary Applications of Ion Chromatography, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.W.); (N.D.)
| | - Agata Makarewicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
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14
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Baj J, Flieger W, Flieger M, Forma A, Sitarz E, Skórzyńska-Dziduszko K, Grochowski C, Maciejewski R, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. Autism spectrum disorder: Trace elements imbalances and the pathogenesis and severity of autistic symptoms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:117-132. [PMID: 34339708 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers as diagnostic tools and predictors of response to treatment of neurological developmental disorders (NDD) such as schizophrenia (SZ), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), still remains an important challenge for clinical medicine. Metallomic profiles of ASD patients cover, besides essential elements such as cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, also toxic metals burden of: aluminum, arsenic, mercury, lead, beryllium, nickel, cadmium. Performed studies indicate that children with ASD present a reduced ability of eliminating toxic metals, which leads to these metals' accumulation and aggravation of autistic symptoms. Extensive metallomic studies allow a better understanding of the importance of trace elements as environmental factors in the pathogenesis of ASD. Even though a mineral imbalance is a fact in ASD, we are still expecting relevant tests and the elaboration of reference levels of trace elements as potential biomarkers useful in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8b, 20-400, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Flieger
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 1, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Flieger
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 1, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
| | - Alicja Forma
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- Chair and 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Skórzyńska-Dziduszko
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwillowska Street 11, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Cezary Grochowski
- Laboratory of Virtual Man, Chair of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8b, 20-400, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ryszard Maciejewski
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8b, 20-400, Lublin, Poland
| | - Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz
- Chair and 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439, Lublin, Poland; Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439, Lublin, Poland
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15
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Naderi M, Puar P, Zonouzi-Marand M, Chivers DP, Niyogi S, Kwong RWM. A comprehensive review on the neuropathophysiology of selenium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 767:144329. [PMID: 33445002 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
As an essential micronutrient, selenium (Se) exerts its biological function as a catalytic entity in a variety of enzymes. From a toxicological perspective, however, Se can become extremely toxic at concentrations slightly above its nutritional levels. Over the last few decades, there has been a growing level of concern worldwide regarding the adverse effects of both inorganic and organic Se compounds on a broad spectrum of neurological functions. A wealth of evidence has shown that exposure to excess Se may compromise the normal functioning of various key proteins, neurotransmitter systems (the glutamatergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems), and signaling molecules involved in the control and regulation of cognitive, behavioral, and neuroendocrine functions. Elevated Se exposure has also been suspected to be a risk factor for the development of several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Nonetheless, despite the various deleterious effects of excess Se on the central nervous system (CNS), Se neurotoxicity and negative behavioral outcomes are still disregarded at the expense of its beneficial health effects. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge regarding the neurobehavioral effects of Se and discusses its potential mode of action on different aspects of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This review also provides a brief history of Se discovery and uses, its physicochemical properties, biological roles in the CNS, environmental occurrence, and toxicity. We also review potential links between exposure to different forms of Se compounds and aberrant neurobehavioral functions in humans and animals, and identify key knowledge gaps and hypotheses for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Naderi
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Pankaj Puar
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | | | - Douglas P Chivers
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Som Niyogi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
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16
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de Jesus JR, Arruda MAZ. Unravelling neurological disorders through metallomics-based approaches. Metallomics 2020; 12:1878-1896. [PMID: 33237082 DOI: 10.1039/d0mt00234h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the biological process involving metals and biomolecules in the brain is essential for establishing the origin of neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. From this perspective, this critical review presents recent advances in this topic, showing possible mechanisms involving the disruption of metal homeostasis and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. We also discuss the main challenges observed in metallomics studies associated with neurological disorders, including those related to sample preparation and analyte quantification.
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17
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Ijomone OM, Olung NF, Akingbade GT, Okoh COA, Aschner M. Environmental influence on neurodevelopmental disorders: Potential association of heavy metal exposure and autism. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 62:126638. [PMID: 32891009 PMCID: PMC7655547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors have been severally established to play major roles in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with symptoms that reduce the quality of life of affected individuals such as social interaction deficit, cognitive impairment, intellectual disabilities, restricted and repetitive behavioural patterns. ASD pathogenesis has been associated with environmental and genetic factors that alter physiologic processes during development. Here, we review literatures highlighting the environmental impact on neurodevelopmental disorders, and mechanisms by which environmental toxins may influence neurodevelopment. Furthermore, this review discusses reports highlighting neurotoxic metals (specifically, lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel and manganese) as environmental risk factors in the aetiology of ASD. This work, thus suggests that improving the environment could be vital in the management of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omamuyovwi M Ijomone
- The Neuro- Lab, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
| | - Nzube F Olung
- The Neuro- Lab, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Grace T Akingbade
- The Neuro- Lab, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Comfort O A Okoh
- The Neuro- Lab, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
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18
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Air Pollution-Related Brain Metal Dyshomeostasis as a Potential Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11101098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence links air pollution (AP) exposure to effects on the central nervous system structure and function. Particulate matter AP, especially the ultrafine (nanoparticle) components, can carry numerous metal and trace element contaminants that can reach the brain in utero and after birth. Excess brain exposure to either essential or non-essential elements can result in brain dyshomeostasis, which has been implicated in both neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs; autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDGDs; Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). This review summarizes the current understanding of the extent to which the inhalational or intranasal instillation of metals reproduces in vivo the shared features of NDDs and NDGDs, including enlarged lateral ventricles, alterations in myelination, glutamatergic dysfunction, neuronal cell death, inflammation, microglial activation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered social behaviors, cognitive dysfunction, and impulsivity. Although evidence is limited to date, neuronal cell death, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are reproduced by numerous metals. Understanding the specific contribution of metals/trace elements to this neurotoxicity can guide the development of more realistic animal exposure models of human AP exposure and consequently lead to a more meaningful approach to mechanistic studies, potential intervention strategies, and regulatory requirements.
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19
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Sulaiman R, Wang M, Ren X. Exposure to Aluminum, Cadmium, and Mercury and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:2699-2718. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Sulaiman
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
- Research and Education in Energy, Environment and Water Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Xuefeng Ren
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
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20
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Wang M, Hossain F, Sulaiman R, Ren X. Exposure to Inorganic Arsenic and Lead and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:1904-1919. [PMID: 31549506 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic (iAs) and lead (Pb) rank first and second on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's priority list of hazardous substances. Both are known neurotoxic metals that cause detrimental effects on brain development and lead to deficits in cognitive function and behavioral performance in children. Studies have indicated a potential link between iAs and Pb exposure and a higher risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To provide further insight into whether developmental exposure to iAs or Pb is associated with ASD, we conducted a systematic review and combined data into a meta-analysis to evaluate the available human evidence on the relationships. We systematically reviewed relevant studies published through December 30, 2018 and identified 14 studies on iAs and 37 studies on Pb exposure and their respective associations with ASD. Among them, 8 (53.3%) and 19 (51.3%) studies reported a positive association for iAs and Pb, respectively, and none reported a sole inverse association. In the following meta-analysis, we found statistically significant higher iAs concentrations, in hair and in blood, for children diagnosed with ASD compared with controls across studies. However, the findings on Pb exposure were inconsistent, with a significant association for hair Pb, no association for urinary Pb, and an inverse association for blood Pb. After considering strengths and limitations of the body of research, we concluded that there is consistent evidence supporting a positive association between early life iAs exposure and diagnosis of ASD and inconsistent evidence for Pb exposure and ASD risk. We believe it is in the best interest of policy makers and the public to reduce exposures to iAs and Pb among pregnant women and children. Further, our research supports the need for large perspective human studies with accurate measurement and determination of the long-term body burden of iAs and Pb exposures to assess the impact of iAs and Pb exposures on ASD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Research and Education in Energy, Environment and Water Institute , University at Buffalo , Buffalo , New York 14260 , United States
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21
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Guo BQ, Li HB, Liu YY. Association between hair lead levels and autism spectrum disorder in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2019; 276:239-249. [PMID: 31121530 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A number of studies measured lead levels in hair from children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to detect the relationship between cumulated lead exposure and the development of ASD, but results are inconsistent. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis using the published studies to explore the actual association of hair lead levels with ASD in children. We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases (up to December 11, 2018). The random-effects model was applied to summarize effect sizes. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed simultaneously. Twenty eligible studies involving 1787 participants (941 autistic children and 846 healthy subjects) were included. Our results of primary analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of hair lead between children with ASD and healthy individuals (Hedges's g = 0.251; 95% confidence interval: -0.121, 0.623; P = 0.187). We identified 2 sources of between-study heterogeneity: analytical technology and the sample size of patients. Additionally, no publication bias was observed in this meta-analysis. In conclusion, this study does not support the association of hair lead levels with ASD in children, and the involvement of cumulated lead exposure in the occurrence of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Qiang Guo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China.
| | - Hong-Bin Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Ying-Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollutants and Health Effects Assessment, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
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22
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Klocke C, Sherina V, Graham UM, Gunderson J, Allen JL, Sobolewski M, Blum JL, Zelikoff JT, Cory-Slechta DA. Enhanced cerebellar myelination with concomitant iron elevation and ultrastructural irregularities following prenatal exposure to ambient particulate matter in the mouse. Inhal Toxicol 2018; 30:381-396. [PMID: 30572762 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2018.1533053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates the developing central nervous system (CNS) is a target of air pollution toxicity. Epidemiological reports increasingly demonstrate that exposure to the particulate matter (PM) fraction of air pollution during neurodevelopment is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These observations are supported by animal studies demonstrating prenatal exposure to concentrated ambient PM induces neuropathologies characteristic of ASD, including ventriculomegaly and aberrant corpus callosum (CC) myelination. Given the role of the CC and cerebellum in ASD etiology, this study tested whether prenatal exposure to concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) produced pathological features in offspring CC and cerebella consistent with ASD. Analysis of cerebellar myelin density revealed male-specific hypermyelination in CAPs-exposed offspring at postnatal days (PNDs) 11-15 without alteration of cerebellar area. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) revealed elevated iron (Fe) in the cerebellum of CAPs-exposed female offspring at PNDs 11-15, which connects with previously observed elevated Fe in the female CC. The presence of Fe inclusions, along with aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si) inclusions, were confirmed at nanoscale resolution in the CC along with ultrastructural myelin sheath damage. Furthermore, RNAseq and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses revealed cerebellar gene expression was significantly affected by sex and prenatal CAPs exposure with significant enrichment in inflammation and transmembrane transport processes that could underlie observed myelin and metal pathologies. Overall, this study highlights the ability of PM exposure to disrupt myelinogenesis and elucidates novel molecular targets of PM-induced developmental neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Klocke
- a Department of Environmental Medicine , University of Rochester School of Medicine , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Valeriia Sherina
- b Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology , University of Rochester School of Medicine , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Uschi M Graham
- c Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Jakob Gunderson
- a Department of Environmental Medicine , University of Rochester School of Medicine , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Joshua L Allen
- a Department of Environmental Medicine , University of Rochester School of Medicine , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Marissa Sobolewski
- a Department of Environmental Medicine , University of Rochester School of Medicine , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Jason L Blum
- d Department of Environmental Medicine , New York University School of Medicine , Tuxedo , NY , USA
| | - Judith T Zelikoff
- d Department of Environmental Medicine , New York University School of Medicine , Tuxedo , NY , USA
| | - Deborah A Cory-Slechta
- a Department of Environmental Medicine , University of Rochester School of Medicine , Rochester , NY , USA
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23
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Bjørklund G, Skalny AV, Rahman MM, Dadar M, Yassa HA, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S, Skalnaya MG, Tinkov AA. Toxic metal(loid)-based pollutants and their possible role in autism spectrum disorder. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:234-250. [PMID: 29902778 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and stereotypic behaviors. Many studies support a significant relationship between many different environmental factors in ASD etiology. These factors include increased daily exposure to various toxic metal-based environmental pollutants, which represent a cause for concern in public health. This article reviews the most relevant toxic metals, commonly found, environmental pollutants, i.e., lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al), and the metalloid arsenic (As). Additionally, it discusses how pollutants can be a possible pathogenetic cause of ASD through various mechanisms including neuroinflammation in different regions of the brain, fundamentally occurring through elevation of the proinflammatory profile of cytokines and aberrant expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Due to the worldwide increase in toxic environmental pollution, studies on the role of pollutants in neurodevelopmental disorders, including direct effects on the developing brain and the subjects' genetic susceptibility and polymorphism, are of utmost importance to achieve the best therapeutic approach and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Moscow, Russia
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Heba A Yassa
- Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway; Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
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Mold M, Umar D, King A, Exley C. Aluminium in brain tissue in autism. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 46:76-82. [PMID: 29413113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown aetiology. It is suggested to involve both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors including in the latter environmental toxins. Human exposure to the environmental toxin aluminium has been linked, if tentatively, to autism spectrum disorder. Herein we have used transversely heated graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry to measure, for the first time, the aluminium content of brain tissue from donors with a diagnosis of autism. We have also used an aluminium-selective fluor to identify aluminium in brain tissue using fluorescence microscopy. The aluminium content of brain tissue in autism was consistently high. The mean (standard deviation) aluminium content across all 5 individuals for each lobe were 3.82(5.42), 2.30(2.00), 2.79(4.05) and 3.82(5.17) μg/g dry wt. for the occipital, frontal, temporal and parietal lobes respectively. These are some of the highest values for aluminium in human brain tissue yet recorded and one has to question why, for example, the aluminium content of the occipital lobe of a 15year old boy would be 8.74 (11.59) μg/g dry wt.? Aluminium-selective fluorescence microscopy was used to identify aluminium in brain tissue in 10 donors. While aluminium was imaged associated with neurones it appeared to be present intracellularly in microglia-like cells and other inflammatory non-neuronal cells in the meninges, vasculature, grey and white matter. The pre-eminence of intracellular aluminium associated with non-neuronal cells was a standout observation in autism brain tissue and may offer clues as to both the origin of the brain aluminium as well as a putative role in autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mold
- The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Dorcas Umar
- Life Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew King
- Department of Clinical Neuropathology, Kings College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Exley
- The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
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Dickerson AS, Rotem RS, Christian MA, Nguyen VT, Specht AJ. Potential Sex Differences Relative to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Metals. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 4:405-414. [PMID: 28988324 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-017-0164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This study aims to summarize the current body of literature on the relationship between various toxic metals exposures (i.e., aluminum, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on potential sex differences in these associations. RECENT FINDINGS Sex differences in ASD diagnosis and mutagenic effects of toxic exposures indicate that sex differences may play a major part in the causal relationship of any potential associations seen; however, we were only able to find three studies that reported on sex differences in observed associations with toxic metals exposure and ASD. We also found several studies investigating associations between ASD and metals exposures, including 11 on aluminum, 6 on antimony, 15 on arsenic, 5 on beryllium, 17 on cadmium, 11 on chromium, 25 on lead, 14 on manganese, and 13 on nickel with markers of exposure in hair, urine, blood, teeth, fingernails, and air pollution. Results for each metal were conflicting, but studies on cadmium and lead yielded the highest proportion of studies with positive results (72% and 36%, respectively). Based on our examination of existing literature, the current evidence warrants a considerable need for evaluations of sex differences in future studies assessing the association between metals exposures and ASD. Additionally, failure to account for potential sex differences could result in bias and misinterpretation of exposure-disease relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha S Dickerson
- Departments of Epidemiology and Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Environmental and Occupation Medicine and Epidemiology Division of the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Street, Landmark Center L3-125, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ran S Rotem
- Department Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - MacKinsey A Christian
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, and Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vy T Nguyen
- Department Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Aaron J Specht
- Department Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Tseng PT, Cheng YS, Chen YW, Stubbs B, Whiteley P, Carvalho AF, Li DJ, Chen TY, Yang WC, Tang CH, Chu CS, Yang WC, Liang HY, Wu CK, Yen CF, Lin PY. Peripheral iron levels in children with autism spectrum disorders vs controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Skalny AV, Simashkova NV, Skalnaya MG, Klyushnik TP, Chernova LN, Tinkov AA. Mercury and autism spectrum disorders. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 118:75-79. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20181185275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Jafari T, Rostampour N, Fallah AA, Hesami A. The association between mercury levels and autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 44:289-297. [PMID: 28965590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The relationship between mercury and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has always been a topic of controversy among researchers. This study aimed to assess the relationship between ASD and mercury levels in hair, urine, blood, red blood cells (RBC), and brain through a meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic search was performed in several databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane register of controlled trials, Google Scholar, Scopus, and MagIran until June 2017. Case-control studies evaluating concentration of total mercury in different tissues of ASD patients and comparing them to the healthy subjects (control group) were identified. Necessary data were extracted and random effects model was used to calculate overall effect and its 95% corresponding confidence interval (CI) from the effect sizes. RESULTS A total of 44 studies were identified that met the necessary criteria for meta-analysis. The mercury level in whole blood (Hedges=0.43, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.74, P=0.007), RBC (Hedges=1.61, 95% CI: 0.83, 2.38, P<0.001), and brain (0.61ng/g, 95% CI, 0.02, 1.19, P=0.043) was significantly higher in ASD patients than healthy subjects, whereas mercury level in hair (-0.14mg/g, 95% CI: -0.28, -0.01, P=0.039) was significantly lower in ASD patients than healthy subjects. The mercury level in urine was not significantly different between ASD patients and healthy subjects (0.51mg/g creatinine, 95% CI: -0.14, 1.16, P=0.121). CONCLUSIONS Results of the current meta-analysis revealed that mercury is an important causal factor in the etiology of ASD. It seems that the detoxification and excretory mechanisms are impaired in ASD patients which lead to accumulation of mercury in the body. Future additional studies on mercury levels in different tissues of ASD patients should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Jafari
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Sharhekord, Iran; Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Noushin Rostampour
- Department of Pediatrics, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Aziz A Fallah
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord 34141, Iran
| | - Afshin Hesami
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Sharhekord, Iran
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Saghazadeh A, Ahangari N, Hendi K, Saleh F, Rezaei N. Status of essential elements in autism spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Neurosci 2017; 28:783-809. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that imposes heavy financial burden on governments and families of affected children. It is considered a multifactorial condition, where trace elements are among environmental factors that may contribute to ASD. Meanwhile, the between-study variance is high. The present systematic review was designed to investigate the difference in trace element measures between patients with ASD and control subjects. Meta-analyses showed that the hair concentrations of chromium (p=0.024), cobalt (p=0.012), iodine (p=0.000), iron (p=0.017), and magnesium (p=0.007) in ASD patients were significantly lower than those of control subjects, while there were higher magnesium levels in the hair of ASD patients compared to that of controls (p=0.010). Patients with ASD had higher blood levels of copper (p=0.000) and lower levels of zinc compared to controls (p=0.021). Further urinary iodine levels in patients with ASD were decreased in comparison with controls (p=0.026). Sensitivity analyses showed that ASD patients in non-Asian but not in Asian countries had lower hair concentrations of chromium compared to controls. Also, such analyses indicated that ASD patients in Asian countries had lower hair zinc concentrations, whereas ASD patients in non-Asian countries had higher hair zinc concentrations in comparison with control subjects. This study found significant differences in the content of trace elements between patients with ASD compared to controls. The findings help highlighting the role of trace elements as environmental factors in the etiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amene Saghazadeh
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran 14194, Iran
- MetaCognition Interest Group (MCIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 14194, Iran
| | - Narges Ahangari
- NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 14194, Iran
| | - Kasra Hendi
- NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 14194, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saleh
- NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 14194, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran 14194, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14194, Iran
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Boston, MA, USA
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30
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Chemical Speciation of Selenium and Mercury as Determinant of Their Neurotoxicity. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 18:53-83. [PMID: 28889263 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60189-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The antagonism of mercury toxicity by selenium has been well documented. Mercury is a toxic metal, widespread in the environment. The main target organs (kidneys, lungs, or brain) of mercury vary depending on its chemical forms (inorganic or organic). Selenium is a semimetal essential to mammalian life as part of the amino acid selenocysteine, which is required to the synthesis of the selenoproteins. This chapter has the aim of disclosing the role of selenide or hydrogen selenide (Se-2 or HSe-) as central metabolite of selenium and as an important antidote of the electrophilic mercury forms (particularly, Hg2+ and MeHg). Emphasis will be centered on the neurotoxicity of electrophile forms of mercury and selenium. The controversial participation of electrophile mercury and selenium forms in the development of some neurodegenerative disease will be briefly presented. The potential pharmacological use of organoseleno compounds (Ebselen and diphenyl diselenide) in the treatment of mercury poisoning will be considered. The central role of thiol (-SH) and selenol (-SeH) groups as the generic targets of electrophile mercury forms and the need of new in silico tools to guide the future biological researches will be commented.
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