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Nutritional Status and Feeding Behavior of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030711. [PMID: 36771417 PMCID: PMC9920501 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030711] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is associated with increased risks of overweight/obesity and underweight, altered nutrient profile, and abnormal feeding behaviors. This systematic review aimed to elucidate the literature on the nutritional status of children with ASD in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, by providing a summary and assessment of the body of evidence. A systematic review of English and Arabic publications up to November 2020 was conducted of five databases in addition to the grey literature, which include a nutrition-related parameter, from both experimental and observational study designs. Children with ASD (ASD-C) between 2 and 19 years in the MENA Region were the target population. For risk of bias, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Quality Criteria Checklist (QCC) was adopted. The number of published articles was grossly limited. Forty-three articles were included, of which only four articles reported a low risk of bias; therefore, the results were interpreted in light of methodological limitations. Both overweight and underweight were common in ASD-C, although not consistently different than typically developing children. Nutrient inadequacies of energy, protein, omega-3, and others; deficiencies in serum iron indicators and calcium, as well as vitamins B12, B9, and D levels; and higher levels of homocysteine and omega-6/omega-3 ratios were reported. Feeding behavior problems were also common in ASD-C. Understanding nutritional requirements and food preferences can guide the planning of the appropriate comprehensive interventions for ASD-C. Various nutritional and behavioral concerns were identified in the included studies; however, they were subject to methodological weaknesses, which limited the generalizability of these results. Future research is warranted that must be directed to finding strong evidence using robust study designs on nutritional status and feeding behaviors of ASD-C, with a particular emphasis on the MENA Region.
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Lyall K, Windham GC, Snyder NW, Kuskovsky R, Xu P, Bostwick A, Robinson L, Newschaffer CJ. Association Between Midpregnancy Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and Offspring Autism Spectrum Disorder in a California Population-Based Case-Control Study. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:265-276. [PMID: 33524118 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are critical for brain development and have been linked with neurodevelopmental outcomes. We conducted a population-based case-control study in California to examine the association between PUFAs measured in midpregnancy serum samples and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. ASD cases (n = 499) were identified through the California Department of Developmental Services and matched to live-birth population controls (n = 502) on birth month, year (2010 or 2011), and sex. Logistic regression models were used to examine crude and adjusted associations. In secondary analyses, we examined ASD with and without co-occurring intellectual disability (ID; n = 67 and n = 432, respectively) and effect modification by sex and ethnicity. No clear patterns emerged, though there was a modest inverse association with the top quartile of linoleic acid level (highest quartile vs. lowest: adjusted odds ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval: 0.49, 1.11; P for trend = 0.10). Lower levels of total and ω-3 PUFAs were associated with ASD with ID (lowest decile of total PUFAs vs. deciles 4-7: adjusted odds ratio = 2.78, 95% confidence interval: 1.13, 6.82) but not ASD without ID. We did not observe evidence of effect modification by the factors examined. These findings do not suggest a strong association between midpregnancy PUFA levels and ASD. In further work, researchers should consider associations with ASD with ID and in other time windows.
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Mehta JA, Homme KG, Geier MR. Mercury as a hapten: A review of the role of toxicant-induced brain autoantibodies in autism and possible treatment considerations. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 62:126504. [PMID: 32534375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury has many direct and well-recognized neurotoxic effects. However, its immune effects causing secondary neurotoxicity are less well-recognized. Mercury exposure can induce immunologic changes in the brain indicative of autoimmune dysfunction, including the production of highly specific brain autoantibodies. Mercury, and in particular, Thimerosal, can combine with a larger carrier, such as an endogenous protein, thereby acting as a hapten, and this new molecule can then elicit the production of antibodies. METHODS A comprehensive search using PubMed and Google Scholar for original studies and reviews related to autism, mercury, autoantibodies, autoimmune dysfunction, and haptens was undertaken. All articles providing relevant information from 1985 to date were examined. Twenty-three studies were identified showing autoantibodies in the brains of individuals diagnosed with autism and all were included and discussed in this review. RESULTS Research shows mercury exposure can result in an autoimmune reaction that may be causal or contributory to autism, especially in children with a family history of autoimmunity. The autoimmune pathogenesis in autism is demonstrated by the presence of brain autoantibodies (neuroantibodies), which include autoantibodies to: (1) human neuronal progenitor cells; (2) myelin basic protein (MBP); (3) neuron-axon filament protein (NAFP); (4) brain endothelial cells; (5) serotonin receptors; (6) glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); (7) brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); (8) myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG); and (9) various brain proteins in the cerebellum, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, caudate putamen, cerebral cortex and caudate nucleus. CONCLUSION Recent evidence suggests a relationship between mercury exposure and brain autoantibodies in individuals diagnosed with autism. Moreover, brain autoantibody levels in autism are found to correlate with both autism severity and blood mercury levels. Treatments to reduce mercury levels and/or brain autoantibody formation should be considered in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA; CoMeD, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA; CONEM US Autism Research Group, Allen, TX, USA.
| | - David A Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA; CoMeD, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jyutika A Mehta
- Texas Woman's University, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Kristin G Homme
- CoMeD, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA; International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Champions Gate, FL, USA
| | - Mark R Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA; CoMeD, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Martins BP, Bandarra NM, Figueiredo-Braga M. The role of marine omega-3 in human neurodevelopment, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:1431-1446. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1573800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara P. Martins
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Narcisa M. Bandarra
- Department of Sea and Marine Resources, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueiredo-Braga
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Research Group: Metabolism, Nutrition & Endocrinology, i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
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Yang X, Zou M, Pang X, Liang S, Sun C, Wang J, Fan L, Xia W, Wu L. The association between NCAM1 levels and behavioral phenotypes in children with autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:234-238. [PMID: 30423390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neuropsychiatric disorders associated with synaptic function and plasticity. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM1) dysfunction impairs synapse formation, synaptic activity and plasticity. To explore the relationship between NCAM1 and ASD, a case-control study was conducted. This research included 40 ASD children and 39 healthy children aged 2-6 years old. We measured the levels of plasma NCAM1 in ASD and healthy control groups by ELISA kits. The severity and behavioral problems of autistic children were also examined. The level of plasma NCAM1 in ASD children was significantly lower than that in controls (p < 0.05). Additionally, NCAM1 levels were negatively correlated with social motivation, social communication and the total scores assessed by Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). NCAM1 levels positively correlated with gross motor ability and developmental quotient in the ASD group. The area under the ROC curve of NCAM1 was 0.647. These results indicated that NCAM1 levels are associated with behavioral problems in children with ASD. These include phenotypes relating to social motivation, social communication, gross motor ability and developmental quotient. These results suggest that future studies exploring the function of NCAM1 in the context of etiology of ASD may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Mingyang Zou
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiuming Pang
- Department of Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Caihong Sun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Labrousse VF, Leyrolle Q, Amadieu C, Aubert A, Sere A, Coutureau E, Grégoire S, Bretillon L, Pallet V, Gressens P, Joffre C, Nadjar A, Layé S. Dietary omega-3 deficiency exacerbates inflammation and reveals spatial memory deficits in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide during gestation. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 73:427-440. [PMID: 29879442 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a common environmental insult on the developing brain and represents a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders. Animal models of in utero inflammation further revealed a causal link between maternal inflammatory activation during pregnancy and behavioural impairment relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Accumulating evidence point out that proinflammatory cytokines produced both in the maternal and fetal compartments are responsible for social, cognitive and emotional behavioral deficits in the offspring. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids with potent immunomodulatory activities. PUFAs and their bioactive derivatives can promote or inhibit many aspects of the immune and inflammatory response. PUFAs of the n-3 series ('n-3 PUFAs', also known as omega-3) exhibit anti-inflammatory/pro-resolution properties and promote immune functions, while PUFAs of the n-6 series ('n-6 PUFAs' or omega-6) favor pro-inflammatory responses. The present study aimed at providing insight into the effects of n-3 PUFAs on the consequences of MIA on brain development. We hypothesized that a reduction in n-3 PUFAs exacerbates both maternal and fetal inflammatory responses to MIA and later-life defects in memory in the offspring. Based on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of MIA (LPS injection at embryonic day 17), we showed that n-3 PUFA deficiency 1) alters fatty acid composition of the fetal and adult offspring brain; 2) exacerbates maternal and fetal inflammatory processes with no significant alteration of microglia phenotype, and 3) induces spatial memory deficits in the adult offspring. We also showed a strong negative correlation between brain content in n-3 PUFA and cytokine production in MIA-exposed fetuses. Overall, our study is the first to address the deleterious effects of n-3 PUFA deficiency on brain lipid composition, inflammation and memory performances in MIA-exposed animals and indicates that it should be considered as a potent environmental risk factor for the apparition of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- V F Labrousse
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Q Leyrolle
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; PROTECT, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - C Amadieu
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - A Aubert
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - A Sere
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - E Coutureau
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Uité Mixte de Recherche 5287, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - S Grégoire
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - L Bretillon
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - V Pallet
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - P Gressens
- PROTECT, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75019 Paris, France; Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, King's Health Partners, St. Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - C Joffre
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - A Nadjar
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France.
| | - S Layé
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France.
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Matsui F, Hecht P, Yoshimoto K, Watanabe Y, Morimoto M, Fritsche K, Will M, Beversdorf D. DHA Mitigates Autistic Behaviors Accompanied by Dopaminergic Change in a Gene/Prenatal Stress Mouse Model. Neuroscience 2017; 371:407-419. [PMID: 29288796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction, social communication, and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Recent work has begun to explore gene × environmental interactions in the etiology of ASD. We previously reported that prenatal stress exposure in stress-susceptible heterozygous serotonin transporter (SERT) KO pregnant dams in a mouse model resulted in autism-like behavior in the offspring (SERT/S mice). The association between prenatal stress and ASD appears to be affected by maternal SERT genotype in clinical populations as well. Using the mouse model, we examined autistic-like behaviors in greater detail, and additionally explored whether diet supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may mitigate the behavioral changes. Only male SERT/S mice showed social impairment and stereotyped behavior, and DHA supplementation ameliorated some of these behaviors. We also measured monoamine levels in the SERT/S mice after three treatment paradigms: DHA-rich diet continuously from breeding (DHA diet), DHA-rich diet only after weaning (CTL/DHA diet) and control diet only (CTL diet). The dopamine (DA) content in the striatum was significantly increased in the SERT/S mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice, whereas no difference was observed with noradrenaline and serotonin content. Moreover, DA content in the striatum was significantly reduced in the SERT/S mice with the DHA-rich diet provided continuously from breeding. The results indicate that autism-associated behaviors and changes in the dopaminergic system in this setting can be mitigated with DHA supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiro Matsui
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Patrick Hecht
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kanji Yoshimoto
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Hiroshima Institute of Technology, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Watanabe
- Department of Basic Geriatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masafumi Morimoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kevin Fritsche
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Matthew Will
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - David Beversdorf
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Departments of Radiology and Neurology, William and Nancy Thompson Chair in Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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8
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The potential relevance of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid to the etiopathogenesis of childhood neuropsychiatric disorders. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 26:1011-1030. [PMID: 27988864 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-016-0932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 15 years, considerable interest has been given to the potential role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for understanding pathogenesis and treatment of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. This review aims to systematically investigate the scientific evidence supporting the hypothesis on the omega-3 PUFAs deficit as a risk factor shared by different pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders. Medline PubMed database was searched for studies examining blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) status in children with neuropsychiatric disorders. Forty-one published manuscripts were compatible with the search criteria. The majority of studies on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism found a significant decrease in DHA levels in patients versus healthy controls. For the other conditions examined-depression, juvenile bipolar disorder, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, and eating disorders (EDs)-the literature was too limited to draw any stable conclusions. However, except EDs, findings in these conditions were in line with results from ADHD and autism studies. Results about EPA levels were too inconsistent to conclude that EPA could be associated with any of the conditions examined. Finally, correlational data provided, on one hand, evidence for a negative association between DHA and symptomatology, whereas on the other hand, evidence for a positive association between EPA and emotional well-being. Although the present review underlines the potential involvement of omega-3 PUFAs in the predisposition to childhood neuropsychiatric disorders, more observational and intervention studies across different diagnoses are needed, which should integrate the collection of baseline PUFA levels with their potential genetic and environmental influencing factors.
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Cardoso C, Afonso C, Bandarra NM. Dietary DHA, bioaccessibility, and neurobehavioral development in children. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 58:2617-2631. [PMID: 28665691 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1338245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a key nutritional n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and needs to be supplied by the human diet. High levels of DHA intake appear to reduce the risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and mood disorders. On the basis of these connections between DHA and neurological health, this paper reviews what is currently known about DHA and children neurodevelopment as well as the benefits of DHA intake to prevention of autism and behavior disorders through a selective and representative revision of different papers ranging from pure observational studies to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This review also highlights the issue of DHA bioaccessibility and its implications to the performance of studies. As main conclusions, it can be mentioned that high DHA intake may prevent autism disorder. However, more studies are required to strengthen the connection between autism and dietary DHA. Regarding behavioral disorders, the evidence is also contradictory, thereby raising the need of further studies. From all screened studies on autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other disorders, it can be concluded that study samples should be larger for greater statistical significance and RCTs should be more carefully designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cardoso
- a Department of Sea and Marine Resources , Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP) , Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, Lisbon , Portugal.,b CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research , University of Porto , Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto , Portugal
| | - Cláudia Afonso
- a Department of Sea and Marine Resources , Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP) , Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, Lisbon , Portugal.,b CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research , University of Porto , Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto , Portugal
| | - Narcisa M Bandarra
- a Department of Sea and Marine Resources , Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP) , Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, Lisbon , Portugal.,b CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research , University of Porto , Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto , Portugal
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Reduced plasma levels of microtubule-associated STOP/MAP6 protein in autistic patients. Psychiatry Res 2016; 245:116-118. [PMID: 27541346 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormal reciprocal social interactions, communication deficits and repetitive behaviors with restricted interests. A previous quantitative proteomic profiling study demonstrated that microtubule-associated stable tubule only polypeptide (STOP; also known as MAP6) protein was significant reduced in the cerebral cortex from BTBR mouse model of autism compared to the C57BL/6J mice. In the present study, the result showed that the concentration of STOP/MAP6 protein was significantly reduced in the plasma of autistic subjects than that in healthy controls. Finally, a possible mechanism of STOP/MAP6 protein in the pathogenesis of autism was proposed.
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Neuroinflammation in Autism: Plausible Role of Maternal Inflammation, Dietary Omega 3, and Microbiota. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:3597209. [PMID: 27840741 PMCID: PMC5093279 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3597209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several genetic causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been identified. However, more recent work has highlighted that certain environmental exposures early in life may also account for some cases of autism. Environmental insults during pregnancy, such as infection or malnutrition, seem to dramatically impact brain development. Maternal viral or bacterial infections have been characterized as disruptors of brain shaping, even if their underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Poor nutritional diversity, as well as nutrient deficiency, is strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in children. For instance, imbalanced levels of essential fatty acids, and especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are observed in patients with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia). Interestingly, PUFAs, and specifically n-3 PUFAs, are powerful immunomodulators that exert anti-inflammatory properties. These prenatal dietary and immunologic factors not only impact the fetal brain, but also affect the microbiota. Recent work suggests that the microbiota could be the missing link between environmental insults in prenatal life and future neurodevelopmental disorders. As both nutrition and inflammation can massively affect the microbiota, we discuss here how understanding the crosstalk between these three actors could provide a promising framework to better elucidate ASD etiology.
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Lei E, Vacy K, Boon WC. Fatty acids and their therapeutic potential in neurological disorders. Neurochem Int 2016; 95:75-84. [PMID: 26939763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is little doubt that we are what we eat. Fatty acid supplementation and diets rich in fatty acids are being promoted as ways to a healthier brain. Short chain fatty acids are a product of intestinal microbiota metabolism of dietary fibre; and their derivatives are used as an anti-convulstant. They demonstrated therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative conditions as HDAC inhibitors; and while the mechanism is not well understood, have been shown to lower amyloid β in Alzheimer's Disease in preclinical studies. Medium chain fatty acids consumed as a mixture in dietary oils can induce ketogenesis without the need for a ketogentic diet. Hence, this has the potential to provide an alternative energy source to prevent neuronal cell death due to lack of glucose. Long chain fatty acids are commonly found in the diet as omega fatty acids. They act as an anti-oxidant protecting neuronal cell membranes from oxidative damage and as an anti-inflammatory mediator in the brain. We review which agents, from each fatty acid class, have the most therapeutic potential for neurological disorders (primarily Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as possible applications to traumatic brain injury), by discussing what is known about their biological mechanisms from preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enie Lei
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Kristina Vacy
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Wah Chin Boon
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Dept of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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Abstract
The use of complementary and alternative medicine is widespread among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but methodologically rigorous studies are still necessary to establish its effects. In this article, we address the role of omega-3 in the treatment of ASD, reviewing the relevant literature highlighted by searches of PubMed from 1949 to the present. According to the criteria of evidence-based medicine (ie, randomized clinical trials), the data do not support the effectiveness of omega-3 treatment in children with ASD. However, based on anecdotal experiences and on nonrandomized trials, we cannot exclude that there might be a subset of people with ASD who do respond to this type of approach. We propose a series of questions to be answered by future studies to clarify the possible role of omega-3 in the treatment of ASD.
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Zhao G, Gao J, Liang S, Wang X, Sun C, Xia W, Hao Y, Li X, Cao Y, Wu L. Study of the serum levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the expression of related liver metabolic enzymes in a rat valproate-induced autism model. Int J Dev Neurosci 2015; 44:14-21. [PMID: 25916973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2015.04.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether the decreased level of serum polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in patients with autism is associated with the expression of related liver metabolic enzymes, we selected rats that were exposed to valproic acid (VPA) on embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) as a model of autism. We observed the serum levels of PUFAs and the expression of related liver metabolic enzymes, including Δ5-desaturase, Δ6-desaturase and elongase (Elovl2), in VPA-exposed and control rats on postnatal day 35 (PND35) and conducted sex dimorphic analysis. We found that the levels of serum PUFAs and related liver metabolic enzymes in the VPA rats were significantly reduced, in association with autism-like behavioral changes, the abnormal expression of apoptosis-related proteins and hippocampal neuronal injury, compared to the control rats and showed sex difference in VPA group. This finding indicated that rats exposed to VPA at the embryonic stage may exhibit reduced synthesis of serum PUFAs due to the down-regulation of liver metabolic enzymes, thereby inducing nervous system injury and behavioral changes, which is affected by sex in the meantime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhao
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jingquan Gao
- Department of Nursing, Daqing Campus of Harbin Medical University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xuelai Wang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Caihong Sun
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yanqiu Hao
- Department of Pediatric, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yonggang Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Daqing Campus of Harbin Medical University, Daqing 163319, China.
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
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