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Kumar Rai R, Shankar Pati R, Islam A, Roy G. Detoxification of organomercurials by thiones and selones: A short review. Inorganica Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2022.120980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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2
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Homme KG, Geier MR. A ten year longitudinal examination of the incidence rate and age of childhood encephalopathy diagnoses in an autism spectrum disorder diagnosed cohort. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2020-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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3
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Santos JCN, da Silva IM, Braga TC, de Fátima Â, Figueiredo IM, Santos JCC. Thimerosal changes protein conformation and increase the rate of fibrillation in physiological conditions: Spectroscopic studies using bovine serum albumin (BSA). Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 113:1032-1040. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.02.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Street ME, Angelini S, Bernasconi S, Burgio E, Cassio A, Catellani C, Cirillo F, Deodati A, Fabbrizi E, Fanos V, Gargano G, Grossi E, Iughetti L, Lazzeroni P, Mantovani A, Migliore L, Palanza P, Panzica G, Papini AM, Parmigiani S, Predieri B, Sartori C, Tridenti G, Amarri S. Current Knowledge on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) from Animal Biology to Humans, from Pregnancy to Adulthood: Highlights from a National Italian Meeting. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1647. [PMID: 29865233 PMCID: PMC6032228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildlife has often presented and suggested the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Animal studies have given us an important opportunity to understand the mechanisms of action of many chemicals on the endocrine system and on neurodevelopment and behaviour, and to evaluate the effects of doses, time and duration of exposure. Although results are sometimes conflicting because of confounding factors, epidemiological studies in humans suggest effects of EDCs on prenatal growth, thyroid function, glucose metabolism and obesity, puberty, fertility, and on carcinogenesis mainly through epigenetic mechanisms. This manuscript reviews the reports of a multidisciplinary national meeting on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabeth Street
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sergio Bernasconi
- Former Department of Medicine, University of Parma, Via A. Catalani 10, 43123 Parma, Italy.
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- ECERI European Cancer and Environment Research Institute, Square de Meeus, 38-40, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Pediatric Endocrinology Programme, Pediatrics Unit, Department of Woman, Child Health and Urologic Diseases, AOU S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti, 11, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Catellani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Deodati
- Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Tor Vergata University, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrica Fabbrizi
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Augusto Murri Hospital, Via Augusto Murri, 17, 63900 Fermo, Itlay.
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Pathology and Neonatal Section, AOU and University of Cagliari, via Ospedale, 54, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Gargano
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Villa Santa Maria Institute, Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation Center, Via IV Novembre 15, 22038 Tavernerio (Como), Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, Pediatrics Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | - Pietro Lazzeroni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Food and Veterinary Toxicology Unit ISS⁻National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56123 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Paola Palanza
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Panzica
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri-Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10, 10043 Orbassano (Turin), Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
| | - Stefano Parmigiani
- Unit of Evolutionary and Functional Biology-Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability (SCVSA)-University of Parma⁻11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Barbara Predieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, Pediatrics Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | - Chiara Sartori
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Tridenti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Sergio Amarri
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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Geier DA, Kern JK, Sykes LK, Geier MR. Mercury-associated diagnoses among children diagnosed with pervasive development disorders. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:949-960. [PMID: 29512044 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0211-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nelson and Bauman (Pediatrics 111:674-679, 2003) previously hypothesized that pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) was not associated with mercury (Hg) exposure because the medical conditions associated with Hg exposure were not associated with PDD. A hypothesis-testing longitudinal case-control study evaluated the frequency of medically diagnosed conditions previously associated with Hg poisoning, including: epilepsy, dysarthria, failure to thrive, cerebral palsy, or contact dermatitis and other eczema among children preceding their eventual PDD diagnosis (cases) compared to controls. A retrospective examination of medical records within the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) was undertaken. Cases diagnosed with PDD (n = 534) were born from 1991 to 2000 and continuously enrolled until their PDD diagnosis. Controls (n = 26,367) were born from 1991 to 1993 and continuously enrolled from birth for 7.22 years. Within the first 5 years of life, cases compared to controls were significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to be assigned a diagnosis of contact dermatitis and other eczema (odds ratio (OR) = 2.033), dysarthria (OR = 23.992), epilepsy (OR = 5.351), failure to thrive (OR = 25.3), and cerebral palsy (OR = 4.464). Similar results were observed when the data were separated by gender. Overall, the results of the present study and recently published studies provide direct evidence supporting a link in twelve of twelve categories (100%) of Hg poisoning associated symptoms as defined by Nelson and Bauman (Pediatrics 111:674-679, 2003) and symptoms observed in those with a PDD diagnosis. The results of this study support the biological plausibility of Hg poisoning to induce PDD diagnoses and rejection of the Nelson and Bauman (Pediatrics 111:674-679, 2003) hypothesis because those with a PDD diagnosis have an increased frequency of conditions previously associated with Hg poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Janet K Kern
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
- CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
- CONEM US Autism Research Group, Allen, TX, USA.
| | | | - Mark R Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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6
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The risk of neurodevelopmental disorders following Thimerosal-containing Hib vaccine in comparison to Thimerosal-free Hib vaccine administered from 1995 to 1999 in the United States. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:677-683. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Li H, Li H, Li Y, Liu Y, Zhao Z. Blood Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Trace Elem Res 2018; 181:31-37. [PMID: 28480499 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-017-1002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the role of heavy metals has not been fully defined. This study investigated whether blood levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead of children with ASD significantly differ from those of age- and sex-matched controls. One hundred eighty unrelated children with ASD and 184 healthy controls were recruited. Data showed that the children with ASD had significantly (p < 0.001) higher levels of mercury and arsenic and a lower level of cadmium. The levels of lead did not differ significantly between the groups. The results of this study are consistent with numerous previous studies, supporting an important role for heavy metal exposure, particularly mercury, in the etiology of ASD. It is desirable to continue future research into the relationship between ASD and heavy metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huamei Li
- Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, StVincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research and University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yun Li
- Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyan Zhao
- Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pediatric Health Care, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 57 Zhuganxiang Road, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, 310003.
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Deth RC, Sykes LK, Hooker BS, Love JM, Bjørklund G, Chaigneau CG, Haley BE, Geier MR. RETRACTED ARTICLE: Systematic Assessment of Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mercury Reveals Conflicts of Interest and the Need for Transparency in Autism Research. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2017; 23:1689-1690. [PMID: 26507205 PMCID: PMC5705728 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-015-9713-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Janet K. Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
| | - David A. Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | | | | | - Mark R. Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Deth RC, Sykes LK, Hooker BS, Love JM, Bjørklund G, Chaigneau CG, Haley BE, Geier MR. Systematic Assessment of Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Mercury Reveals Conflicts of Interest and the Need for Transparency in Autism Research. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2017; 23:1691-1718. [PMID: 29119411 PMCID: PMC5705731 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-017-9983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Historically, entities with a vested interest in a product that critics have suggested is harmful have consistently used research to back their claims that the product is safe. Prominent examples are: tobacco, lead, bisphenol A, and atrazine. Research literature indicates that about 80-90% of studies with industry affiliation found no harm from the product, while only about 10-20% of studies without industry affiliation found no harm. In parallel to other historical debates, recent studies examining a possible relationship between mercury (Hg) exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show a similar dichotomy. Studies sponsored and supported by industry or entities with an apparent conflict of interest have most often shown no evidence of harm or no "consistent" evidence of harm, while studies without such affiliations report positive evidence of a Hg/autism association. The potentially causal relationship between Hg exposure and ASD differs from other toxic products since there is a broad coalition of entities for whom a conflict of interest arises. These include influential governmental public health entities, the pharmaceutical industry, and even the coal burning industry. This review includes a systematic literature search of original studies on the potential relationship between Hg and ASD from 1999 to August 2015, finding that of the studies with public health and/or industry affiliation, 86% reported no relationship between Hg and ASD. However, among studies without public health and/or industry affiliation, only 21% find no relationship between Hg and ASD. The discrepancy in these results suggests a bias indicative of a conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K. Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
| | - David A. Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | | | | | - Mark R. Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
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Geier DA, Kern JK, Geier MR. Increased risk for an atypical autism diagnosis following Thimerosal-containing vaccine exposure in the United States: A prospective longitudinal case-control study in the Vaccine Safety Datalink. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 42:18-24. [PMID: 28595786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thimerosal is an organic-mercury (Hg)-containing compound (49.55% Hg by weight) historically added to many multi-dose vials of vaccine as a preservative and still added to some vaccines today. Concerns about the toxic effects from Thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines and the risk of an atypical autism diagnosis were evaluated in this study. METHODS A hypothesis-testing, prospective longitudinal, case-control study assessed exposure to Hg from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines (TM-HepB) among cases diagnosed with atypical autism (n=164) and controls (n=15,216). Automated medical records for subjects born from 1991 to 2000 and continuously enrolled in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) database were examined. RESULTS Cases diagnosed with atypical autism were statistically significantly more likely to have received greater overall and dose-dependent exposures to Hg from TM-HepB vaccines administered within the first month of life, first two months of life, and first six months of life than the controls. Similar phenomena were observed when cases and controls were separated by gender. CONCLUSIONS Routine childhood vaccination is an important public health tool to reduce infectious diseases. The present study provides important epidemiological evidence significantly associating increasing Hg exposure from Thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines and the subsequent risk of atypical autism diagnosis, and suggests that Thimerosal should be eliminated from vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, 20905, United States; CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, 20905, United States.
| | - Janet K Kern
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, 20905, United States; CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, 20905, United States.
| | - Mark R Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, 20905, United States; CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, 20905, United States.
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Bjørklund G, Aaseth J, Ajsuvakova OP, Nikonorov AA, Skalny AV, Skalnaya MG, Tinkov AA. Molecular interaction between mercury and selenium in neurotoxicity. Coord Chem Rev 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Geier DA, Kern JK, Homme KG, Geier MR. Thimerosal exposure and disturbance of emotions specific to childhood and adolescence: A case-control study in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) database. Brain Inj 2017; 31:272-278. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2016.1250950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Janet K. Kern
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Kristin G. Homme
- International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Champions Gate, FL, USA
| | - Mark R. Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Dórea JG. Low-dose Thimerosal in pediatric vaccines: Adverse effects in perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:280-293. [PMID: 27816865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are prophylactics used as the first line of intervention to prevent, control and eradicate infectious diseases. Young children (before the age of six months) are the demographic group most exposed to recommended/mandatory vaccines preserved with Thimerosal and its metabolite ethylmercury (EtHg). Particularly in the less-developed countries, newborns, neonates, and young children are exposed to EtHg because it is still in several of their pediatric vaccines and mothers are often immunized with Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) during pregnancy. While the immunogenic component of the product has undergone more rigorous testing, Thimerosal, known to have neurotoxic effects even at low doses, has not been scrutinized for the limit of tolerance alone or in combination with adjuvant-Al during immaturity or developmental periods (pregnant women, newborns, infants, and young children). Scientific evidence has shown the potential hazards of Thimerosal in experiments that modeled vaccine-EtHg concentrations. Observational population studies have revealed uncertainties related to neurological effects. However, consistently, they showed a link of EtHg with risk of certain neurodevelopment disorders, such as tic disorder, while clearly revealing the benefits of removing Thimerosal from children's vaccines (associated with immunological reactions) in developed countries. So far, only rich countries have benefited from withdrawing the risk of exposing young children to EtHg. Regarding Thimerosal administered to the very young, we have sufficient studies that characterize a state of uncertainty: the collective evidence strongly suggests that Thimerosal exposure is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. It is claimed that the continued use of Thimerosal in the less-developed countries is due to the cost to change to another preservative, such as 2-phenoxyethanol. However, the estimated cost increase per child in the first year of life is lower than estimated lifetime cost of caring for a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder, such tic disorder. The evidence indicates that Thimerosal-free vaccine options should be made available in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasilia, 70919-970 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Geier DA, Kern JK, Homme KG, Geier MR. Abnormal Brain Connectivity Spectrum Disorders Following Thimerosal Administration: A Prospective Longitudinal Case-Control Assessment of Medical Records in the Vaccine Safety Datalink. Dose Response 2017; 15:1559325817690849. [PMID: 28539852 PMCID: PMC5433557 DOI: 10.1177/1559325817690849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), tic disorder (TD), and hyperkinetic syndrome of childhood (attention deficit disorder [ADD]/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]) are disorders recently defined as abnormal connectivity spectrum disorders (ACSDs) because they show a similar pattern of abnormal brain connectivity. This study examines whether these disorders are associated with exposure to thimerosal, a mercury (Hg)-based preservative. METHODS A hypothesis testing case-control study evaluated the Vaccine Safety Datalink for the potential dose-dependent odds ratios (ORs) for diagnoses of ASD, TD, and ADD/ADHD compared to controls, following exposure to Hg from thimerosal-containing Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines administrated within the first 15 months of life. Febrile seizures, cerebral degeneration, and unspecified disorders of metabolism, which are not biologically plausibly linked to thimerosal, were examined as control outcomes. RESULTS On a per 25 μg Hg basis, cases diagnosed with ASD (OR = 1.493), TD (OR = 1.428), or ADD/ADHD (OR = 1.503) were significantly (P < .001) more likely than controls to have received increased Hg exposure. Similar relationships were observed when separated by gender. Cases diagnosed with control outcomes were no more likely than controls to have received increased Hg exposure. CONCLUSION The results suggest that Hg exposure from thimerosal is significantly associated with the ACSDs of ASD, TD, and ADD/ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Geier
- Department of Research, The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Janet K. Kern
- Department of Research, The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- CONEM US Autism Research Group, Allen, TX, USA
| | - Kristin G. Homme
- International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, ChampionsGate, FL, USA
| | - Mark R. Geier
- Department of Research, The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Homme KG, King PG, Bjørklund G, Chirumbolo S, Geier MR. Developmental neurotoxicants and the vulnerable male brain: a systematic review of suspected neurotoxicants that disproportionally affect males. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2017. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2017-061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Effects of Thimerosal on Lipid Bilayers and Human Erythrocytes: An In Vitro Study. J Membr Biol 2016; 249:823-831. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-016-9933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Sykes LK, Haley BE, Geier MR. The relationship between mercury and autism: A comprehensive review and discussion. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 37:8-24. [PMID: 27473827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The brain pathology in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) indicates marked and ongoing inflammatory reactivity with concomitant neuronal damage. These findings are suggestive of neuronal insult as a result of external factors, rather than some type of developmental mishap. Various xenobiotics have been suggested as possible causes of this pathology. In a recent review, the top ten environmental compounds suspected of causing autism and learning disabilities were listed and they included: lead, methyl-mercury, polychorinated biphenyls, organophosphate pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, endocrine disruptors, automotive exhaust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and perfluorinated compounds. This current review, however, will focus specifically on mercury exposure and ASD by conducting a comprehensive literature search of original studies in humans that examine the potential relationship between mercury and ASD, categorizing, summarizing, and discussing the published research that addresses this topic. This review found 91 studies that examine the potential relationship between mercury and ASD from 1999 to February 2016. Of these studies, the vast majority (74%) suggest that mercury is a risk factor for ASD, revealing both direct and indirect effects. The preponderance of the evidence indicates that mercury exposure is causal and/or contributory in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD, 20905 USA; Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway; CoMeD, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD, 20905 USA.
| | - David A Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD, 20905 USA; CoMeD, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD, 20905 USA
| | - Lisa K Sykes
- CoMeD, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD, 20905 USA
| | - Boyd E Haley
- University of Kentucky, 410 Administration Drive, Lexington, KY, 40506 USA
| | - Mark R Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD, 20905 USA; CoMeD, Inc., 14 Redgate Court, Silver Spring, MD, 20905 USA
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Geier DA, Kern JK, Hooker BS, King PG, Sykes LK, Homme KG, Geier MR. Thimerosal exposure and increased risk for diagnosed tic disorder in the United States: a case-control study. Interdiscip Toxicol 2016; 8:68-76. [PMID: 27486363 PMCID: PMC4961900 DOI: 10.1515/intox-2015-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A hypothesis testing, case-control study evaluated automated medical records for exposure to organic-Hg from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines (TM-HepB) administered at specific intervals in the first six-months-of-life among cases diagnosed with a tic disorder (TD) or cerebral degeneration (CD) (an outcome not biologically plausibly linked to TM exposure) in comparison to controls; both cases and controls were continuously enrolled from birth (born from 1991-2000) within the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) database. TD cases were significantly more likely than controls to have received increased organic-Hg from TM-HepB administered within the first month-of-life (odds ratio (OR)=1.59, p<0.00001), first two-months-of-life (OR=1.59, p<0.00001), and first six-months-of-life (OR=2.97, p<0.00001). Male TD cases were significantly more likely than male controls to have received increased organic-Hg from TM-HepB administered within the first month-of-life (OR =1.65, p<0.0001), first two-months-of-life (OR=1.64, p<0.0001), and first six months-of-life (OR=2.47, p<0.05), where as female TD were significantly more likely than female controls to have received increased organic-Hg from TM-HepB administered within the first six-months-of-life (OR=4.97, p<0.05). By contrast, CD cases were no more likely than controls to have received increased organic-Hg exposure from TM-HepB administered at any period studied within the first six-months-of-life. Although routine childhood vaccination is considered an important public health tool to combat infectious diseases, the present study associates increasing organic-Hg exposure from TM-HepB and the subsequent risk of a TD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Janet K Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Brian S Hooker
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Paul G King
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Lisa K Sykes
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Kristin G Homme
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Mark R Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Thimerosal-Preserved Hepatitis B Vaccine and Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood. Brain Sci 2016; 6:brainsci6010009. [PMID: 26999226 PMCID: PMC4810179 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci6010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) BACKGROUND: Hyperkinetic syndrome of childhood (HKSoC) is an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9) category in which the majority of the children are also diagnosed under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), where the umbrella term is "Attention-Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders". The diagnostic criteria for HKSoC are developmentally inappropriate inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some studies have implicated mercury (Hg) exposure as a risk factor. (2) METHODS: This hypothesis testing study; using the Vaccine Safety Datalink; assessed the toxicological effects of bolus exposure to organic-Hg from Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) by examining the relationship between Thimerosal-preserved hepatitis B vaccines (TM-HepB) given at varying levels and at specific intervals in the first six months after birth and the risk of a child being diagnosed with HKSoC. (3) RESULTS: Children diagnosed with HKSoC were significantly more likely to be exposed to increased organic-Hg from TM-HepB doses given within the first month (odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.30-1.62); within the first two months (odds ratio = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.28-1.59); and within the first six months (odds ratio = 4.51; 95% CI = 3.04-6.71) than controls. (4) CONCLUSION: The results indicate that increasing organic-Hg exposure from TCVs heightens the risk of a HKSoC diagnosis.
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Geier DA, King PG, Hooker BS, Dórea JG, Kern JK, Sykes LK, Geier MR. Thimerosal: Clinical, epidemiologic and biochemical studies. Clin Chim Acta 2015; 444:212-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2015.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Geier DA, Kern JK, King PG, Sykes LK, Geier MR. A case-control study evaluating the relationship between thimerosal-containing haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine administration and the risk for a pervasive developmental disorder diagnosis in the United States. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 163:28-38. [PMID: 25382662 PMCID: PMC4297306 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0169-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Thimerosal is an organic mercury (Hg)-containing compound (49.55 % Hg by weight) historically added to many multi-dose vials of vaccine as a preservative. A hypothesis testing case-control study evaluated automated medical records in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) for organic Hg exposure from Thimerosal in Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)-containing vaccines administered at specific times within the first 15 months of life among subjects diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) (n = 534) in comparison to controls. The generally accepted biologically non-plausible linkage between Thimerosal exposure and subsequent diagnosis of febrile seizure (n = 5886) was examined as a control outcome. Cases diagnosed with PDD received significantly more organic Hg within the first 6 months of life (odds ratio (OR) = 1.97, p < 0.001) and first 15 months of life (OR = 3.94, p < 0.0001) than controls, whereas cases diagnosed with febrile seizure were no more likely than controls to have received increased organic Hg. On a per microgram of organic Hg basis, cases diagnosed with a PDD in comparison to controls were at significantly greater odds (OR = 1.0197, p < 0.0001) of receiving increasing organic Hg exposure within the first 15 months of life, whereas cases diagnosed febrile seizure were no more likely than controls (OR = 0.999, p > 0.20) to have received increasing organic Hg exposure within the first 15 months of life. Routine childhood vaccination is an important public health tool to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases, but the present study provides new epidemiological evidence of a significant relationship between increasing organic Hg exposure from Thimerosal-containing vaccines and the subsequent risk of PDD diagnosis in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
| | - Janet K. Kern
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX USA
| | | | | | - Mark R. Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
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22
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Increased susceptibility to ethylmercury-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in a subset of autism lymphoblastoid cell lines. J Toxicol 2015; 2015:573701. [PMID: 25688267 PMCID: PMC4320799 DOI: 10.1155/2015/573701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The association of autism spectrum disorders with oxidative stress, redox imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction has become increasingly recognized. In this study, extracellular flux analysis was used to compare mitochondrial respiration in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from individuals with autism and unaffected controls exposed to ethylmercury, an environmental toxin known to deplete glutathione and induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. We also tested whether pretreating the autism LCLs with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to increase glutathione concentrations conferred protection from ethylmercury. Examination of 16 autism/control LCL pairs revealed that a subgroup (31%) of autism LCLs exhibited a greater reduction in ATP-linked respiration, maximal respiratory capacity, and reserve capacity when exposed to ethylmercury, compared to control LCLs. These respiratory parameters were significantly elevated at baseline in the ethylmercury-sensitive autism subgroup as compared to control LCLs. NAC pretreatment of the sensitive subgroup reduced (normalized) baseline respiratory parameters and blunted the exaggerated ethylmercury-induced reserve capacity depletion. These findings suggest that the epidemiological link between environmental mercury exposure and an increased risk of developing autism may be mediated through mitochondrial dysfunction and support the notion that a subset of individuals with autism may be vulnerable to environmental influences with detrimental effects on development through mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Kalkbrenner AE, Schmidt RJ, Penlesky AC. Environmental chemical exposures and autism spectrum disorders: a review of the epidemiological evidence. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2014; 44:277-318. [PMID: 25199954 PMCID: PMC4855851 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the number of epidemiological publications addressing environmental chemical exposures and autism has grown tremendously. These studies are important because it is now understood that environmental factors play a larger role in causing autism than previously thought and because they address modifiable risk factors that may open up avenues for the primary prevention of the disability associated with autism. In this review, we covered studies of autism and estimates of exposure to tobacco, air pollutants, volatile organic compounds and solvents, metals (from air, occupation, diet, dental amalgams, and thimerosal-containing vaccines), pesticides, and organic endocrine-disrupting compounds such as flame retardants, non-stick chemicals, phthalates, and bisphenol A. We included studies that had individual-level data on autism, exposure measures pertaining to pregnancy or the 1st year of life, valid comparison groups, control for confounders, and adequate sample sizes. Despite the inherent error in the measurement of many of these environmental exposures, which is likely to attenuate observed associations, some environmental exposures showed associations with autism, especially traffic-related air pollutants, some metals, and several pesticides, with suggestive trends for some volatile organic compounds (e.g., methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, and styrene) and phthalates. Whether any of these play a causal role requires further study. Given the limited scope of these publications, other environmental chemicals cannot be ruled out, but have not yet been adequately studied. Future research that addresses these and additional environmental chemicals, including their most common routes of exposures, with accurate exposure measurement pertaining to several developmental windows, is essential to guide efforts for the prevention of the neurodevelopmental damage that manifests in autism symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Kalkbrenner
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Annie C Penlesky
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
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A dose-response relationship between organic mercury exposure from thimerosal-containing vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:9156-70. [PMID: 25198681 PMCID: PMC4199012 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110909156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A hypothesis testing case-control study evaluated concerns about the toxic effects of organic-mercury (Hg) exposure from thimerosal-containing (49.55% Hg by weight) vaccines on the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs). Automated medical records were examined to identify cases and controls enrolled from their date-of-birth (1991–2000) in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) project. ND cases were diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), specific developmental delay, tic disorder or hyperkinetic syndrome of childhood. In addition, putative non-thimerosal-related outcomes of febrile seizure, failure to thrive and cerebral degenerations were examined. The cumulative total dose of Hg exposure from thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccine (T-HBV) administered within the first six months of life was calculated. On a per microgram of organic-Hg basis, PDD (odds ratio (OR) = 1.054), specific developmental delay (OR = 1.035), tic disorder (OR = 1.034) and hyperkinetic syndrome of childhood (OR = 1.05) cases were significantly more likely than controls to receive increased organic-Hg exposure. By contrast, none of the non-thimerosal related outcomes were significantly more likely than the controls to have received increased organic-Hg exposure. Routine childhood vaccination may be an important public health tool to reduce infectious disease-associated morbidity/mortality, but the present study significantly associates organic-Hg exposure from T-HBV with an increased risk of an ND diagnosis.
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Koh JY, Lim JS, Byun HR, Yoo MH. Abnormalities in the zinc-metalloprotease-BDNF axis may contribute to megalencephaly and cortical hyperconnectivity in young autism spectrum disorder patients. Mol Brain 2014; 7:64. [PMID: 25182223 PMCID: PMC4237964 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-014-0064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas aberrant brain connectivity is likely the core pathology of autism-spectrum disorder (ASD), studies do not agree as to whether hypo- or hyper-connectivity is the main underlying problem. Recent functional imaging studies have shown that, in most young ASD patients, cerebral cortical regions appear hyperconnected, and cortical thickness/brain size is increased. Collectively, these findings indicate that developing ASD brains may exist in an altered neurotrophic milieu. Consistently, some ASD patients, as well as some animal models of ASD, show increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, how BDNF is upregulated in ASD is unknown. To address this question, we propose the novel hypothesis that a putative zinc-metalloprotease-BDNF (ZMB) axis in the forebrain plays a pivotal role in the development of hyperconnectivity and megalencephaly in ASD. We have previously demonstrated that extracellular zinc at micromolar concentrations can rapidly increase BDNF levels and phosphorylate the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB via the activation of metalloproteases. The role of metalloproteases in ASD is still uncertain, but in fragile X syndrome, a monogenic disease with an autistic phenotype, the levels of MMP are increased. Early exposure to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and other MMP activators such as organic mercurials also have been implicated in ASD pathogenesis. The resultant increases in BDNF levels at synapses, especially those involved in the zinc-containing, associative glutamatergic system may produce abnormal brain circuit development. Various genetic mutations that lead to ASD are also known to affect BDNF signaling: some down-regulate, and others up-regulate it. We hypothesize that, although both up- and down-regulation of BDNF may induce autism symptoms, only BDNF up-regulation is associated with the hyperconnectivity and large brain size observed in most young idiopathic ASD patients. To test this hypothesis, we propose to examine the ZMB axis in animal models of ASD. Synaptic zinc can be examined by fluorescence zinc staining. MMP activation can be measured by in situ zymography and Western blot analysis. Finally, regional levels of BDNF can be measured. Validating this hypothesis may shed light on the central pathogenic mechanism of ASD and aid in the identification of useful biomarkers and the development of preventive/therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Young Koh
- Neural Injury Research Lab, Asan Institute for Life Science, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 388-1 Poongnap-Dong Songpa-Gu, Seoul 138-736, Korea
| | - Joon Seo Lim
- Neural Injury Research Lab, Asan Institute for Life Science, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyae-Ran Byun
- Neural Injury Research Lab, Asan Institute for Life Science, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Heui Yoo
- Neural Injury Research Lab, Asan Institute for Life Science, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Hooker BS. Measles-mumps-rubella vaccination timing and autism among young African American boys: a reanalysis of CDC data. Transl Neurodegener 2014; 3:16. [PMID: 25114790 PMCID: PMC4128611 DOI: 10.1186/2047-9158-3-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A significant number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder suffer a loss of previously-acquired skills, suggesting neurodegeneration or a type of progressive encephalopathy with an etiological basis occurring after birth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectof the age at which children got their first Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine on autism incidence. This is a reanalysis of the data set, obtained from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), used for the Destefano et al. 2004 publication on the timing of the first MMR vaccine and autism diagnoses. Methods The author embarked on the present study to evaluate whether a relationship exists between child age when the first MMR vaccine was administered among cases diagnosed with autism and controls born between 1986 through 1993 among school children in metropolitan Atlanta. The Pearson’s chi-squared method was used to assess relative risks of receiving an autism diagnosis within the total cohort as well as among different race and gender categories. Results When comparing cases and controls receiving their first MMR vaccine before and after 36 months of age, there was a statistically significant increase in autism cases specifically among African American males who received the first MMR prior to 36 months of age. Relative risks for males in general and African American males were 1.69 (p=0.0138) and 3.36 (p=0.0019), respectively. Additionally, African American males showed an odds ratio of 1.73 (p=0.0200) for autism cases in children receiving their first MMR vaccine prior to 24 months of age versus 24 months of age and thereafter. Conclusions The present study provides new epidemiologic evidence showing that African American males receiving the MMR vaccine prior to 24 months of age or 36 months of age are more likely to receive an autism diagnosis.
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Methodological issues and evidence of malfeasance in research purporting to show thimerosal in vaccines is safe. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:247218. [PMID: 24995277 PMCID: PMC4065774 DOI: 10.1155/2014/247218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There are over 165 studies that have focused on Thimerosal, an organic-mercury (Hg) based compound, used as a preservative in many childhood vaccines, and found it to be harmful. Of these, 16 were conducted to specifically examine the effects of Thimerosal on human infants or children with reported outcomes of death; acrodynia; poisoning; allergic reaction; malformations; auto-immune reaction; Well's syndrome; developmental delay; and neurodevelopmental disorders, including tics, speech delay, language delay, attention deficit disorder, and autism. In contrast, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that Thimerosal is safe and there is “no relationship between [T]himerosal[-]containing vaccines and autism rates in children.” This is puzzling because, in a study conducted directly by CDC epidemiologists, a 7.6-fold increased risk of autism from exposure to Thimerosal during infancy was found. The CDC's current stance that Thimerosal is safe and that there is no relationship between Thimerosal and autism is based on six specific published epidemiological studies coauthored and sponsored by the CDC. The purpose of this review is to examine these six publications and analyze possible reasons why their published outcomes are so different from the results of investigations by multiple independent research groups over the past 75+ years.
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Advances in Genetic Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40124-014-0042-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Raymond LJ, Deth RC, Ralston NVC. Potential Role of Selenoenzymes and Antioxidant Metabolism in relation to Autism Etiology and Pathology. AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2014; 2014:164938. [PMID: 24734177 PMCID: PMC3966422 DOI: 10.1155/2014/164938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are behaviorally defined, but the biochemical pathogenesis of the underlying disease process remains uncharacterized. Studies indicate that antioxidant status is diminished in autistic subjects, suggesting its pathology is associated with augmented production of oxidative species and/or compromised antioxidant metabolism. This suggests ASD may result from defects in the metabolism of cellular antioxidants which maintain intracellular redox status by quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS). Selenium-dependent enzymes (selenoenzymes) are important in maintaining intercellular reducing conditions, particularly in the brain. Selenoenzymes are a family of ~25 genetically unique proteins, several of which have roles in preventing and reversing oxidative damage in brain and endocrine tissues. Since the brain's high rate of oxygen consumption is accompanied by high ROS production, selenoenzyme activities are particularly important in this tissue. Because selenoenzymes can be irreversibly inhibited by many electrophiles, exposure to these organic and inorganic agents can diminish selenoenzyme-dependent antioxidant functions. This can impair brain development, particularly via the adverse influence of oxidative stress on epigenetic regulation. Here we review the physiological roles of selenoproteins in relation to potential biochemical mechanisms of ASD etiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Raymond
- Energy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota, 15 North 23rd Street, Stop 9018, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Richard C. Deth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicholas V. C. Ralston
- Energy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota, 15 North 23rd Street, Stop 9018, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
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