A Case-Control Study of Essential and Toxic Trace Elements and Minerals in Hair of 0-4-Year-Old Children with Cerebral Palsy

Basic Properties and Development Status of Aluminum Adjuvants Used for Vaccines

BACKGROUND

Aluminum adjuvants, renowned for their safety and efficacy, act as excellent adsorbents and vaccine immunogen enhancers, significantly contributing to innate, endogenous, and humoral immunity. An ideal adjuvant not only boosts the immune response but also ensures optimal protective immunity. Aluminum adjuvants are the most widely used vaccine adjuvants and have played a crucial role in both the prevention of existing diseases and the development of new vaccines. With the increasing emergence of new vaccines, traditional immune adjuvants are continually being researched and upgraded. The future of vaccine development lies in the exploration and integration of novel adjuvant technologies that surpass the capabilities of traditional aluminum adjuvants. One promising direction is the incorporation of nanoparticles, which offer precise delivery and controlled release of antigens, thereby enhancing the overall immune response.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes the types, mechanisms, manufacturers, patents, advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects of aluminum adjuvants. Although aluminum adjuvants have certain limitations, their contribution to enhancing vaccine immunity is significant and cannot be ignored. Future research should continue to explore their mechanisms of action and address potential adverse reactions to achieve improved vaccine efficacy.

Assessment of Urinary Lead (Pb) and Essential Trace Elements in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Case-Control Study Among Preschool Children in Malaysia

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal which is abundant in the environment and known to cause neurotoxicity in children even at minute concentration. However, the trace elements calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential to children due to its protective effect on neurodevelopment. The primary objective of this study was to assess the role of Pb and trace elements in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among preschool children. A total of 81 ASD children and 74 typically developed (TD) children aged between 3 and 6 years participated in the study. Self-administered online questionnaires were completed by the parents. A first-morning urine sample was collected in a sterile polyethene urine container and assayed for Pb, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Comparisons between groups revealed that the urinary Pb, Mg, Zn and Fe levels in ASD children were significantly lower than TD children. The odds of ASD reduced significantly by 5.0% and 23.0% with an increment of every 1.0 μg/dL urinary Zn and Fe, respectively. Post interaction analysis showed that the odds of ASD reduced significantly by 11.0% and 0.1% with an increment of every 1.0 μg/dL urinary Zn and Pb, respectively. A significantly lower urinary Pb level in ASD children than TD children may be due to their poor detoxifying mechanism. Also, the significantly lower urinary Zn and Fe levels in ASD children may augment the neurotoxic effect of Pb.