1
|
Touali R, Allisse M, Zerouaoui J, Chakir EM, Gagnon D, Bui HT, Leone M. Anthropometric Profile, Overweight/Obesity Prevalence, and Socioeconomic Impact in Moroccan Children Aged 6-12 Years Old with Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:672. [PMID: 38928918 PMCID: PMC11203516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to the inherent challenges of their condition, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are also susceptible to the global obesity epidemic. However, concerning the prevalence of obesity within the Moroccan ASD pediatric population, data remain scarce. METHODS A total of 258 children (boys = 195) aged 6 to 12 years old (mean = 9.4 ± 1.4) diagnosed with ASD participated in this study. Besides the body mass and height, four significant anthropometric markers for assessing obesity were examined: body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Each anthropometric marker was categorized into one of three cardiometabolic risk levels based on the Z-scores and their corresponding percentiles. The distribution was as follows: low risk (≤84th percentile), high risk (85th-94th percentile), and very high risk (≥95th percentile). Subsequently, a multiple regression analysis was employed to develop an algorithm that generates a composite risk score. This score incorporates all the anthropometric variables simultaneously, while also weighting their individual contributions to the cardiometabolic risk. RESULTS Children with ASD exhibit an anthropometric profile that markedly increases their susceptibility to cardiometabolic issues. While roughly 11% of the general Moroccan child population is overweight or obese, this figure soars to nearly 60% among children with ASD when considering the central adiposity markers. Furthermore, children from middle-class socioeconomic backgrounds display a more than threefold greater risk of developing overweight or obesity compared to their counterparts from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. CONCLUSIONS This study has, for the first time, provided an up-to-date overview of the cardiometabolic risk in Moroccan children with ASD using traditional anthropometric measurements. The primary risk factor is clearly linked to central (abdominal) adiposity, which is recognized as the most deleterious. This study highlights the need to include general and central obesity markers. This study underscores the importance of incorporating both general and central adiposity markers for a more comprehensive assessment, and it emphasizes the need for closer monitoring within this high-risk population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Touali
- Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14000, Morocco; (R.T.); (J.Z.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Maxime Allisse
- Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | - Jamal Zerouaoui
- Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14000, Morocco; (R.T.); (J.Z.); (E.M.C.)
| | - El Mahjoub Chakir
- Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14000, Morocco; (R.T.); (J.Z.); (E.M.C.)
| | | | - Hung Tien Bui
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Ave N Immeuble X1, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | - Mario Leone
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Ave N Immeuble X1, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mehra S, Salinas-Miranda AA, Buro AW, Marshall J, Kirby RS. The role of adverse childhood experiences in obesity among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: National survey of Children's health 2018-2019. Disabil Health J 2024; 17:101550. [PMID: 37968201 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk of overweight/obesity and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). OBJECTIVE This study examined whether ACEs increased the odds of overweight/obesity in adolescents with ASD. METHODS This cross-sectional study used National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2018-2019 data (N = 31,533 children ages 10-17 years, including n = 480 children with mild ASD and n = 423 children with moderate/severe ASD with normal or overweight/obese BMI). Parent-reported body mass index (BMI) was coded as overweight/obesity vs. normal weight. The independent variable was the count of nine ACEs. Binary logistic regression was conducted, controlling for social ecological factors. RESULTS The odds of overweight/obesity in adolescents with ASD with 1-2 ACEs (OR 1.3, CI 1.1-1.4) and 3+ ACEs (OR 1.6, CI 1.3-2.0) were higher than those with 0 ACEs; odds increased with higher counts of ACEs. Household income level was the most significant sociodemographic influence on odds of obesity in adolescents with ASD (0-99 % Federal Poverty Level: OR 1.9, CI 1.6-2.3). Adolescents with moderate/severe ASD (OR 1.7, CI 1.2-2.5) and mild ASD (OR 1.6, CI 1.0-2.4) had higher odds of overweight/obesity after accounting for ACEs, race/ethnicity, sex, household income, and physical activity. CONCLUSION Findings indicated ACEs are associated with ASD, which calls for integration of ACEs information within trauma-informed care practices for obesity prevention and intervention for adolescents with ASD. Persistent disparities of overweight/obesity exist by race/ethnicity, sex, and household income within this population, which indicates the need for tailoring trauma-informed approaches to the unique needs of this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Mehra
- University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States.
| | - Abraham A Salinas-Miranda
- University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States.
| | - Acadia W Buro
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States.
| | - Jennifer Marshall
- University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States.
| | - Russell S Kirby
- University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smolko NA, Valiev RI, Kabdesh IM, Fayzullina RA, Mukhamedshina YO. Eating disorder in children: Impact on quality of life, with a spotlight on autism spectrum disorder. Nutr Res 2024; 123:38-52. [PMID: 38241984 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Eating behavior, which includes eating habits and preferences, frequency of eating, and other features related to diet, is a major characteristic not only of a person's nutritional status, but also of health in general. In recent years, the prevalence of eating disorders in children has tended to increase; they also require cross-system approaches in diagnosis by a variety of specialists and correction requires appropriate selection of optimal methods. Maladaptive eating attitudes formed at an early age can contribute to the formation of eating disorders, which can lead to or worsen various neuropsychiatric diseases, digestive diseases, and other related conditions. In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), eating disorders often appear earlier than other major symptoms of the condition. However, the clinical manifestations of eating disorders in children with ASD are varied and differ in severity and duration, whereas these disorders in neurotypical children might present as short-lived and may not lead to serious consequences. Nevertheless, cases of progressive eating disorders accompanied by a child presenting as under- or overweight and/or with macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies cannot be excluded. Given the high prevalence of eating disorders in children, many researchers have highlighted the lack of a valid and universally accepted instruments to assess atypical eating behaviors in this population. Therefore, in this review, we wanted to highlight the problems and causes of eating disorders in children, and also to analyze the existing approaches to the validation of these problems, taking into account the existing behavioral features in children with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Smolko
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia; Department of Propaedeutics of Pediatric Diseases and Faculty Pediatrics, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Rushan I Valiev
- Department of General Hygiene, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Ilyas M Kabdesh
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia.
| | - Rezeda A Fayzullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia; Department of Propaedeutics of Pediatric Diseases and Faculty Pediatrics, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Yana O Mukhamedshina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia; Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Breda C, Santero S, Conti MV, Cena H. Programmes to manage food selectivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Nutr Res Rev 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38385245 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422424000052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by impaired social communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviours. In this regard, sensory processing difficulties and delayed oral motor skills often predispose individuals with ASD to food selectivity (FS). It is usually associated with repetitive eating patterns that can lead to multiple malnutrition conditions. The objective of this narrative review is to present an overview about the existing nutritional interventions aiming at promoting a healthy eating pattern and addressing food selectivity among individuals with ASD. Regarding the interventions targeting nutrition education, the majority of the analysed studies failed to demonstrate their effectiveness. On the other hand, many educational interventions involving taste or cooking sessions, as well as behavioural interventions for FS, demonstrated effective results. Moreover, multidisciplinary in tailoring such programmes, including psychology speech therapy and nutritional skills, is acknowledged as a key approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Breda
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Santero
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Conti
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hellas Cena
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia, Italy
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, ICS Maugeri IRCCS, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
GUNER U UCEVİK, İrem BİLKAY. The Relationship Between Nutrition-Physical Activity Behaviors of Autistic Children with Their Families and Children's Obesity Levels During Covid Pandemic. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:785-793. [PMID: 36462114 PMCID: PMC9734687 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05838-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The family has a key role in the obesity management of children with autism. This study examines the relationship between the nutrition-physical activity behaviors of autistic children with their families and children's obesity levels during covid-19 pandemic. The descriptive and cross-sectional study involved 80 parents of autistic children. A positive correlation was found between children's mean BMI values before and during the pandemic(p = 0.000). Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Scale(FNPAS) and Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory(BAMBI) score were 55.18 ± 7.86 and 31.76 ± 8.79, respectively. In addition, it was found that 32.5% of the children ate more than before the pandemic, 50.0% engaged in less physical activity, and 16.3% didn't do any physical activity. The study results suggesting the risk of obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umran CEVİK GUNER U
- Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tasliciftlik Campus, 60250 Tokat, Turkey
| | - BİLKAY İrem
- Nursing Department, Institute of Graduate Studies, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tasliciftlik Campus,60250, Tokat, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang T, Zhang Q, Chen L, Dai Y, Jia FY, Hao Y, Li L, Zhang J, Wu LJ, Ke XY, Yi MJ, Hong Q, Chen JJ, Fang SF, Wang YC, Wang Q, Jin CH, Chen J, Li TY. Intestinal Symptoms Among Children aged 2-7 Years with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 13 Cities of China. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06122-3. [PMID: 38060105 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial, pervasive, neurodevelopmental disorder, of which intestinal symptoms collectively represent one of the most common comorbidities. METHODS In this study, 1,222 children with ASD and 1,206 typically developing (TD) children aged 2-7 years were enrolled from 13 cities in China. Physical measurement and basic information questionnaires were conducted in ASD and TD children. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) were used to evaluate the clinical symptoms of children with ASD. The six-item Gastrointestinal Severity Index (6-GSI) was used to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal symptoms in two groups. RESULTS The detection rates of constipation, stool odor, and total intestinal symptoms in ASD children were significantly higher than those in TD children (40.098% vs. 25.622%, 17.021% vs. 9.287%, and 53.601% vs. 41.294%, respectively). Autistic children presenting with intestinal comorbidity had significantly higher scores on the ABC, SRS, CARS, and multiple subscales than autistic children without intestinal symptoms, suggesting that intestinal comorbidity may exacerbates the core symptoms of ASD children. CONCLUSION Intestinal dysfunction was significantly more common in autistic than in TD children. This dysfunction may aggravate the core symptoms of children with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei-Yong Jia
- Department of developmental and behavioral pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Children Health Care Center, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-Jie Wu
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child mental health research center of Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming-Ji Yi
- Department of Child Health Care, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Hong
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- Department of Child Healthcare, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuan-Feng Fang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi-Chao Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Deyang Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Chun-Hua Jin
- Department of Children Health Care, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
| | - Ting-Yu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Z, Huang S, Yuan X, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhou J. The role of vitamin D deficiency in the development of paediatric diseases. Ann Med 2023; 55:127-135. [PMID: 36495273 PMCID: PMC9744225 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2154381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children's Vitamin D (VitD) fortification and supplementation are diminishing due to less outdoor exercise and insufficient VitD intake (low exogenous intake and endogenous malabsorption induced by gastrointestinal disease). Consequently, children in many developed countries suffer from VitD deficiency, which may contribute to many paediatric disorders. Our review briefly introduced the metabolic process of VitD, summarized the role of VitD in paediatric diseases such as autism, obesity, rickets and asthma. We sought to identify the link between VitD deficiency and these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Liu
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Shiming Huang
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiaoli Yuan
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery Ward, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yannan Liu
- Nursing School, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dhaliwal KK, Avedzi HM, Richard C, Zwaigenbaum L, Haqq AM. Brief Report: Plasma Leptin and Mealtime Feeding Behaviors Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4929-4936. [PMID: 35583626 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05581-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We examined the relationship between weight status, appetite regulating hormones, and mealtime behaviors among children, (5-12 years old), diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a cross-sectional study. All (N = 21) completed anthropometry measurements and (n = 18) provided blood samples for hormone analysis. Mealtime behavior, dietary, physical activity, puberty stage, and social impairment data were collected. Under fasting conditions, overweight/obese (OWOB) participants, (n = 6), had higher leptin concentrations (p < 0.02) and more feeding challenges (p < 0.05) than normal weight (n = 15). Higher leptin levels and disruptions in mealtime behaviors may exist among OWOB children in this study. Future longitudinal studies that examine appetite regulating hormones and mealtime behaviors may inform our understanding of the role of these markers in the development of obesity in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khushmol K Dhaliwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 1C4 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Center, 8440-112 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Hayford M Avedzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 1C4 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Center, 8440-112 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Caroline Richard
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 1C4 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Center, 8440-112 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Andrea M Haqq
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 1C4 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Center, 8440-112 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schröder SS, Danner UN, Spek AA, van Elburg AA. Exploring the intersection of autism spectrum disorder and eating disorders: understanding the unique challenges and treatment considerations for autistic women with eating disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023; 36:419-426. [PMID: 37781983 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Autistic women struggle with high levels of both autistic eating behaviours and disordered eating behaviours , which might make them particularly vulnerable to develop eating disorders. Research investigating the presence and characteristics of eating disorders in autistic women is however limited, as is research examining the role of autism in the treatment and recovery of an eating disorder in autistic women. RECENT FINDINGS The link between autism and eating disorders has mainly been investigated from the field of eating disorder research, with studies finding an overrepresentation of autism or autistic traits in eating disorders populations. Findings also suggest that autism or autistic traits are associated with a more serious presentation of the eating disorders, including a higher chance of a chronic course of the eating disorders. Most studies however lack comprehensive autism assessments, making it difficult to determine the actual prevalence of autism and its role in women with eating disorders. SUMMARY Autistic women with an eating disorder seem to suffer from more complex eating disorders and seem to not benefit from current treatment modalities. This could be partly related to specific autism characteristics such as sensory sensitivities, which are not being considered by current treatment protocols. Future research needs to shed light on what underlies the eating behaviours of autistic women with an eating disorder, in order to help to adapt current treatment modalities to meet the unique needs of these women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina S Schröder
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - Unna N Danner
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - Annelies A Spek
- Autism Expert Center, Goyergracht Zuid 39, Eemnes, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie A van Elburg
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ranieri A, Mennitti C, Falcone N, La Monica I, Di Iorio MR, Tripodi L, Gentile A, Vitale M, Pero R, Pastore L, D’Argenio V, Scudiero O, Lombardo B. Positive effects of physical activity in autism spectrum disorder: how influences behavior, metabolic disorder and gut microbiota. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1238797. [PMID: 38025444 PMCID: PMC10681626 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1238797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social interactions and communication skills impairments that include intellectual disabilities, communication delays and self-injurious behaviors; often are present systemic comorbidities such as gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, in recent years has emerged a link between alterations in the intestinal microbiota and neurobehavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. Recently, physical activity and exercise interventions are known to be beneficial for improving communication and social interaction and the composition of microbiota. In our review we intend to highlight how different types of sports can help to improve communication and social behaviors in children with autism and also show positive effects on gut microbiota composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Mennitti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Noemi Falcone
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria La Monica
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Di Iorio
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorella Tripodi
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gentile
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vitale
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Pero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria D’Argenio
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Olga Scudiero
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Lombardo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gui J, Wang L, Han Z, Ding R, Yang X, Yang J, Luo H, Huang D, Liu J, Jiang L. Association between the Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Developmental Disabilities in Children: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1353. [PMID: 37759954 PMCID: PMC10526872 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies have examined the association between dietary quality and the risk of developmental disabilities (DDs). This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary quality and the risk of DDs in US children aged 5 to 15. We employed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HEI-2015 score, HEI component score, and the likelihood of DDs. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were utilized to investigate nonlinear links between HEI-2015 score and the likelihood of DDs. Interaction analysis was utilized to explore differences between subgroups. HEI-2015 score was negatively linked with the risk of DDs after adjusting covariates [odds ratio (OR) = 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0.98, 1.00)]. HEI-2015 score was separated by quartile into Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. Q1 represents the lowest HEI scores, while Q4 represents the highest HEI scores. Children in the fourth quartile of the HEI-2015 exhibited a decreased prevalence of DDs compared to those in the first quartile [(OR = 0.69; 95% CI = (0.53, 0.89)]. The association between HEI-2015 score and the risk of DDs was modified by race/ethnicity. The higher HEI-2015 score was associated with a lower risk of DDs, suggesting that better dietary quality may reduce the risk of DDs in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Jiang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China (J.Y.); (H.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Byrska A, Błażejczyk I, Faruga A, Potaczek M, Wilczyński KM, Janas-Kozik M. Patterns of Food Selectivity among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5469. [PMID: 37685537 PMCID: PMC10488249 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by food selectivity in a significant portion of the population. The nature of this selectivity remains unclear, with hypotheses suggesting associations with sensory disorders or stereotypical and repetitive patterns of activity and interests. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and nature of food selectivity traits in individuals with ASD compared with the neurotypical population. This study involved 219 participants, with 115 diagnosed with autism and 92 without. Twelve children undergoing diagnosis were excluded from the analyses. The findings revealed that food selectivity traits are more common in individuals with ASD, with differences in preferences mainly involving structure, color, taste, and serving method. Children with ASD had more food selectivity traits than those without, and the intake of certain food characteristics could be altered as they grow. Selectivity occurred for both sensory and stereotypical reasons, but stereotypical features significantly differentiated neurotypical individuals from those with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Byrska
- Student’s Scientific Association, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Idalia Błażejczyk
- Student’s Scientific Association, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Faruga
- Student’s Scientific Association, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Maria Potaczek
- Student’s Scientific Association, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof M. Wilczyński
- John Paul 2nd Child and Family Health Center in Sosnowiec Sp. z o.o., 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Janas-Kozik
- John Paul 2nd Child and Family Health Center in Sosnowiec Sp. z o.o., 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Must A, Eliasziw M, Stanish H, Curtin C, Bandini LG, Bowling A. Passive and social screen time in children with autism and in association with obesity. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1198033. [PMID: 37492602 PMCID: PMC10364473 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1198033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Screen time has been identified as a risk factor for childhood obesity, but the media landscape has evolved rapidly. Children with autism tend to be heavy users of screens and have an elevated prevalence of obesity. We know little about screen use patterns among children with autism vs. typically developing (TD) peers and in association with obesity. Methods Baseline data from 10,842 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognition Development Study was used to characterize time spent with child-reported passive screen use (television/movies/watching videos), playing video games, and using social media. Duration of screen time by autism status and gender was summarized as mean time per day; obesity was defined using CDC/WHO criteria. A propensity score analysis was used to create a matched dataset for analysis. Results Overall, 1.7% of children were was identified as having autism. Significant mean differences were observed by autism status and gender for both passive viewing and playing video games. Compared to TD children, boys with autism spent more time (2.9 vs. 2.3 h, p < 0.001) watching TV, movies or videos, as did girls (3.0 vs. 2.0 h, p = 0.002). Compared to TD peers, boys with autism reported more video game time (102.7 vs. 77.5 min, p = 0.001), as did girls with autism (64.4 vs. 37.9 min, p = 0.03); girls with autism also spent more time on social media sites or video chat (45.5 vs. 21.9 min, p = 0.04). Overall, obesity prevalence increased with increasing screen time duration, significantly for passive screen time (p-value = 0.002) and texting (p-value = 0.02). Associations between obesity and screen time duration did not differ by autism status. Discussion Children with autism spend more time playing video games and on passive and social screen activities than their TD peers, with some variations by gender. High rates of social media use among girls with autism and multiplayer video game use among both boys and girls with autism may challenge the notion that the high levels of screen time reflect social isolation in the group. Given potential positive aspects of screen time in children with autism movement to focus on content and context is appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aviva Must
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Misha Eliasziw
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heidi Stanish
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carol Curtin
- E.K. Shriver Center, UMASS Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Linda G. Bandini
- E.K. Shriver Center, UMASS Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - April Bowling
- E.K. Shriver Center, UMASS Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Merrimack College, Andover, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Taoulost S, Rasgon N, Ferretti CJ, Hollander E. The role of ketogenic therapy in developmental disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 161:307-309. [PMID: 36989905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samia Taoulost
- Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Natalie Rasgon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Casara Jean Ferretti
- Psychiatric Research Institute of Montefiore Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eric Hollander
- Psychiatric Research Institute of Montefiore Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Weir
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Huang M, Qi Q, Xu T. Targeting Shank3 deficiency and paresthesia in autism spectrum disorder: A brief review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1128974. [PMID: 36846568 PMCID: PMC9948097 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1128974] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Several studies have shown an association between cases of ASD and mutations in the genes of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domain protein 3 (SHANK3). These genes encode many cell adhesion molecules, scaffold proteins, and proteins involved in synaptic transcription, protein synthesis, and degradation. They have a profound impact on all aspects of synaptic transmission and plasticity, including synapse formation and degeneration, suggesting that the pathogenesis of ASD may be partially attributable to synaptic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of synapses related to Shank3 in ASD. We also discuss the molecular, cellular, and functional studies of experimental models of ASD and current autism treatment methods targeting related proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China,*Correspondence: Tao Xu,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
|
18
|
Assessment of Feeding Behaviors and Parents' Frustrations of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Lebanon: A Case-Control Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010117. [PMID: 36670667 PMCID: PMC9856887 DOI: 10.3390/children10010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit restrictive and repetitive behaviors that affect their eating habits. The purpose of this study is to identify the behavioral feeding problems and eating habits among ASD children compared to typically developed (TD) children age/gender-matched controls, along with their parents'/caregivers' strategies for dealing with them. It included 43 ASD children and 43 TD children aged two to eleven years. The analysis was performed based on two valid questionnaires: the Behavior Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFA) and "My Child Eating Habits" (MCEH). The BPFA and MCEH scores conceded three manifestations that fall into food selectivity and problematic mealtime behavior in both groups of children. Compared to TD children, children with ASD exhibited higher BPFA scores, which indicated food-related behavioral and skill-based problems (p = 0.004). Children with ASD were less likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and milk than TD children, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.010, respectively). Parents of ASD children were concerned about their behavioral problems and expressed their intention of an early intervention. These findings highlight the importance of nutritional clinical routines that incorporate the evaluation of the nutritional status and feeding behaviors of ASD children.
Collapse
|
19
|
Buro AW, Gray HL, Kirby RS, Marshall J, Rolle L, Holloway J. Parent and Adolescent Attitudes Toward a Virtual Nutrition Intervention for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2023; 7:94-106. [PMID: 36160309 PMCID: PMC9483453 DOI: 10.1007/s41252-022-00286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative study examined acceptability, perceived benefits, and unintended consequences of a virtual implementation of an 8-week theory-driven nutrition intervention (BALANCE) for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS Twenty-one parent interviews and six adolescent focus groups or interviews (n = 12; group size ranged 1-5) were conducted. Data were collected virtually via Microsoft Teams and analyzed for a priori and emergent themes. RESULTS The intervention was generally acceptable. Adolescents and parents reported that they were comfortable with the virtual format and the interactive group setting. Parents of adolescents 15 years and older emphasized the importance of autonomy/independence. Participants reported changes in adolescents' psychosocial determinants of dietary intake, including knowledge and self-efficacy, as well as diet changes (e.g., self-regulation). CONCLUSIONS The virtual implementation of BALANCE was acceptable according to adolescents with ASD and their parents based on their reported perceptions and feelings about the intervention. The findings suggest that many adolescents with ASD may benefit from virtual group interventions. Quantitative research is needed to examine behavioral outcomes of the BALANCE intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Acadia W. Buro
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, 4117 E Fowler Ave. , Tampa, FL 33617 USA
| | - Heewon L. Gray
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Russell S. Kirby
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Jennifer Marshall
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - LaShae Rolle
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Jamie Holloway
- School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Buro AW, Salinas-Miranda A, Marshall J, Gray HL, Kirby RS. Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Other Child, Family, and Community Risk Factors for Obesity among Children and Adolescents Aged Ten to Seventeen Years in the United States: A Mediation Analysis. Child Obes 2023; 19:57-67. [PMID: 35394360 PMCID: PMC9917309 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2021.0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: This study explored whether there are mediated effects of child and family risk in the association between community and organizational risk and obesity among children and adolescents aged 10-17 years using 2017-2018 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data, addressing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study (N = 27,157) used 2017-2018 NSCH data. Frequency distributions and chi-square tests were used to describe participants with and without ASD. Cumulative risk indices were created for child, family, community, and organizational level risk, and mediation analyses were conducted in a two-mediator model (X1: community risk, X2: organizational risk, M1: child risk, M2: family risk) for the dichotomous outcome (Y: obesity). Path analyses were performed using generalized structural equation modeling in Stata 16.0. Results: Direct effects for all four risk indices were associated with obesity in single index models (all p < 0.001); only child and family risk indices were associated with obesity in a full model with all four risk indices (both p < 0.001). When child and family risk indices were assessed as mediators, the indirect effects of community and organizational risk were significant (all p < 0.0001). The total effect of community risk on obesity was significant with family risk as a mediator (p = 0.002). The total effect of organizational risk was not significant with either mediator. Conclusion: Findings suggest that child and family factors play a strong role in obesity risk and that ASD contributes to this risk. Community risk may be another strong predictor of obesity, mediated by family risk. Additional research on social-ecological risk factors for obesity is needed to identify leverage points to improve obesity risk in children and adolescents with and without ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Acadia W. Buro
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Abraham Salinas-Miranda
- Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Marshall
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Heewon L. Gray
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Russell S. Kirby
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Holloway JM, Gray HL, Buro AW, Thomas J, Sauls R, Howard AM. Measurement Tools to Assess Usual Dietary Intake and Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Scoping Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00349-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
22
|
Zhong T, Liu H, Li Y, Qi J. Correlates of Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Cross-Sectional Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16301. [PMID: 36498374 PMCID: PMC9738504 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a high risk for a lack of physical activity (PA). The aim of this study is to review the evidence on the correlates of PA in children and adolescents with ASD in low- and middle-income countries. We searched Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection (PBSC), Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science (WOS), MEDLINE, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Education Source (ES), and Academic Search Premier (ASP) databases for relevant studies until April 2022, inclusive, to examine the factors associated with the studies of PA in children and adolescents with ASD aged 5 to 17 years in low- and middle-income countries. A total of 15 articles are included in the present review. Three researchers assessed the methodological quality and extracted relevant data of the included reviews. The correlates were synthesized and further assessed semi-quantitatively. Results of this review show that gender (boys) and more PA opportunities were positively associated with the PA of children and adolescents with ASD, while age and body mass index (BMI) were negatively related to their PA levels in low- and middle-income countries. The day of week was found to be inconsistently associated with PA in children and adolescents with ASD. The findings suggest that research on the correlates of PA in adolescents with ASD in low- and middle-income countries is limited. However, there are clear correlates for which future interventions could be based (age, gender, BMI, and PA opportunity) to promote PA participation in children and adolescents with ASD in low- and middle-income countries.
Collapse
|
23
|
Gai J, Xing J, Wang Y, Lei J, Zhang C, Zhang J, Tang J. Exploration of potential targets and mechanisms of Naringenin in treating autism spectrum disorder via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31787. [PMID: 36401485 PMCID: PMC9678605 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Naringenin (NR) is a kind of flavonoid which plays a great role in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the underlying mechanism of NR in treating ASD still remains unclear. This study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to examine the potential targets and pharmacological mechanism of NR on ASD. Targets related to NR were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine Database (ETCM), Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID), PharmaMapper database, and targets related to ASD were screened from Online Mendelian Inheritance In Man (OMIM), Disgenet, GeneCards, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), Drugbank, and ETCM. Screened of the intersected gene targets. Then, we used the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to construct a PPI network and used Network Analyzer plug-in to perform topological analysis to screen out the core target. We used Metascape platform to perform gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and used Chem draw, Pymol, AutoDock 1.5.6 software for molecular docking verification with core targets. A total of 149 targets of NR and 1594 potential targets of ASD were screened, and 43 intersected targets and 8 key targets were obtained and screened. A total of 176 GO items were obtained by GO enrichment analysis (P < .05), 153 entries on biological process (BP), 12 entries on BP and 11entries on cell composition (CC) were included. A total of 100 signaling pathways were obtained by KEGG pathway enrichment screening (P < .05).The pathways that are closely related to the pathogenesis of ASD are estrogen signaling, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, and endocrine resistance pathway. Molecular docking results showed that NR had the best docking activity with the core target CASP3, and had good binding ability with AKT1, ESR1, ACTB and MAPK3. Taken together, our findings support that NR exerts therapeutic effects on ASD with multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, which provides a preliminary theoretical basis for clinical trials. The mechanism of anti-oxidative stress response, anti-apoptosis, regulation of cell growth and metabolism, anti-inflammatory, balance hormone levels may be important for the therapeutic effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Gai
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinxiao Xing
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Junfang Lei
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chengdong Zhang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jinfei Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiqin Tang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- * Correspondence: Jiqin Tang, College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, Shandong, China (e-mail: )
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen YC, Lin HY, Chien Y, Tung YH, Ni YH, Gau SSF. Altered gut microbiota correlates with behavioral problems but not gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with autism. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 106:161-178. [PMID: 36058421 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite inconsistent results across studies, emerging evidence suggests that the microbial micro-environment may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Geographical and cultural factors highly impact microbial profiles, and there is a shortage of data from East Asian populations. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize microbial profiles in an East Asian sample and explore whether gut microbiota contributes to clinical symptoms, emotional/behavioral problems, and GI symptoms in ASD. METHODS We assessed 82 boys and young men with ASD and 31 typically developing controls (TDC), aged 6-25 years. We analyzed the stool sample of all participants with 16S V3-V4 rRNA sequencing and correlated its profile with GI symptoms, autistic symptoms, and emotional/behavioral problems. RESULTS Autistic individuals, compared to TDC, had worse GI symptoms. There were no group differences in alpha diversity of species richness estimates (Shannon-wiener and Simpson diversity indices). Participants with ASD had an increased relative abundance of Fusobacterium, Ruminococcus torques group (at the genus level), and Bacteroides plebeius DSM 17135 (at the species level), while a decreased relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG 013, Ervsipelotrichaceae UCG 003, Parasutterella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Turicibacter (at the genus level), and Clostridium spiroforme DSM 1552 and Intestinimonas butyriciproducens (at the species level). Altered taxonomic diversity in ASD significantly correlated with autistic symptoms, thought problems, delinquent behaviors, self dysregulation, and somatic complaints. We did not find an association between gut symptoms and gut microbial dysbiosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that altered microbiota are associated with behavioral phenotypes but not GI symptoms in ASD. The function of the identified microbial profiles mainly involves the immune pathway, supporting the hypothesis of a complex relationship between altered microbiome, immune dysregulation, and ASD that may advance the discovery of molecular biomarkers for ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chieh Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yiling Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hung Tung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Podgorac J, Sekulić S, Petković B, Stojadinović G, Martać L, Pešić V. The influence of continuous prenatal exposure to valproic acid on physical, nociceptive, emotional and psychomotor responses during adolescence in mice: Dose-related effects within sexes. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:982811. [PMID: 36248030 PMCID: PMC9557044 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.982811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical findings show that the use of valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects and autism spectrum disorder in offspring. Although there is a consensus that monitoring of potential long-term outcomes of VPA exposure is needed, especially in undiagnosed individuals, preclinical studies addressing this issue are rare. The present study examined the effects of continuous intrauterine exposure to a wide dose range of VPA (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) on the physical and behavioral response in peripubertal mice as a rodent model of adolescence. Body weight and the hot plate test [on postnatal days (PND) 25 and 32], the elevated plus-maze test (on PND35), and the open field test (on PND40) served to examine physical growth, the supraspinal reflex response to a painful thermal stimulus and conditional learning, anxiety-like/risk-assessment behavior, as well as novelty-induced psychomotor activity, respectively. VPA exposure produced the following responses: (i) a negative effect on body weight, except for the dose of 100 mg/kg/day in both sexes; (ii) an increase in the percentage of animals that responded to the thermal stimulus above the defined cut-off time interval and the response latency in both sexes; (iii) dose-specific changes within sexes in behavior provoked by a novel anxiogenic environment, i.e., in females less anxiety-like/risk-assessment behavior in response to the lowest exposure dose, and in males more pronounced anxiety-like/risk-assessment behavior after exposure to the highest dose and 100 mg/kg/day; (iv) dose-specific changes within sexes in novelty-induced psychomotor activity, i.e., in females a decrease in stereotypy-like activity along with an increase in rearing, and in males a decrease in stereotypy-like activity only. These findings show that continuous intrauterine exposure to VPA produces maladaptive functioning in different behavioral domains in adolescence and that the consequences are delicate to assess as they are dose-related within sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Podgorac
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Sekulić
- Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Branka Petković
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gordana Stojadinović
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Martać
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Pešić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Buro AW, Gray HL, Kirby RS, Marshall J, Strange M, Hasan S, Holloway J. Pilot Study of a Virtual Nutrition Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:853-862. [PMID: 36087955 PMCID: PMC10164280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Examine the impact of a virtual nutrition education program, Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education (BALANCE), on dietary intake and psychosocial determinants of healthy eating in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS A sample of AYA with ASD aged 12-21 years (n = 27; 6 groups of 2-7 adolescents) participated in BALANCE, a Social Cognitive Theory-based intervention, for eight 30-45-minute lessons. Outcomes were compared using a pre-post design and included dietary intake (assessed using a food frequency questionnaire) and psychosocial determinants of healthy eating (assessed by a validated survey). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared preintervention and postintervention medians with an alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS Mean added sugar intake (P = 0.026) decreased, and behavioral strategies (P = 0.010), self-efficacy (P < 0.001), and outcome expectations (P = 0.009) improved. There was no difference in fruit or vegetable intake or other psychosocial determinants. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The BALANCE intervention may improve psychosocial determinants and dietary behaviors in AYA with ASD. Future virtual programs may incorporate more assistance and support to be accessible for AYA with ASD of varying severity levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Acadia W Buro
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL; Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
| | - Heewon L Gray
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Russell S Kirby
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Mikaela Strange
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Syed Hasan
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Jamie Holloway
- School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Santapuram P, Chen H, Weitlauf AS, Ghani MOA, Whigham AS. Investigating differences in symptomatology and age at diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in children with and without autism. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 158:111191. [PMID: 35636082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with OSA can present with a range of symptoms including loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and changes in cognitive function. Some of these symptoms can overlap with and exacerbate symptoms of ASD, potentially delaying OSA diagnosis in children with both conditions. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to assess between-group difference in OSA symptomatology and age at OSA diagnosis in children with and without ASD. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on 166 pediatric patients (<18 years) with OSA undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a single academic institution between 2019 and 2021. The control group consisted of 91 patients (54.9% male) without ASD. The ASD group included 75 patients (88.0% male). Autism severity was scored on a 1-4 scale using a novel methodology. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon rank sum tests for continuous variables, chi-squared tests for categorical variables, and multivariable analyses as needed. RESULTS There was a significant between-group difference in total number of reported OSA symptoms (p < 0.001), with more symptoms reported in patients with ASD. Within the ASD group, lower autism severity was associated with an increased number of reported OSA symptoms (p = 0.006). There was not a significant between-group difference in age at OSA diagnosis (p = 0.999); however, lower autism severity was associated with an increased age at diagnosis (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that OSA may present with a higher symptom burden in children with ASD, particularly for children with lower ASD severity, who often experience delays in OSA diagnosis. These findings and their clinical implications merit further explanation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Santapuram
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Heidi Chen
- Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital, Surgical Outcome Center for Kids (SOCKs), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amy S Weitlauf
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Muhammad Owais A Ghani
- Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital, Surgical Outcome Center for Kids (SOCKs), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amy S Whigham
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital, Surgical Outcome Center for Kids (SOCKs), Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Li C, Haegele JA, Sun F, Alves MLT, Ang SHC, Lee J, Ng K, dos Santos Alves I, Healy S, Huang WY, Rintala P, Tan JSY, Wu Y, Yang H, Kärnä E, Maeng H, Schliemann AL, Ding D. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and health-related outcomes among youth with autism spectrum disorder: a seven-country observational study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:50. [PMID: 35739543 PMCID: PMC9229084 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meeting daily guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration is associated with a host of health indicators for youth. In this cross-sectional observational study, we investigated the associations between adherence to the movement guidelines and health-related outcomes among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS Parents of youth with ASD (10-17 years) from seven countries and regions were invited to provide online proxy-reports for child's movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sleep and screen time), and health-related outcomes (i.e., body mass index [BMI], general health, and quality of life). A series of multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between meeting movement guidelines and health-related outcomes, adjusted for covariates. RESULTS The final sample consisted of 1165 youth with ASD. Compared with youth meeting all three guidelines, a higher BMI z-score was observed in those who met no guidelines (B = 0.62, P = 0.04), "sedentary time only" (B = 0.60, P = 0.047), and "physical activity plus sleep only" (B = 0.85, P = 0.04). Compared with meeting all three guidelines, meeting no guidelines was associated with poorer general health (B = - 0.46, P = 0.02). Further, compared with youth meeting all three guidelines, a lower quality of life score was observed in those who met no guidelines (B = - 0.47, P = 0.02) and "physical activity only" (B = - 0.62, P = 0.03). Lastly, there were dose-response associations between the number of guidelines met and all three health-related outcomes (all Ptrend < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, meeting more 24-h movement guidelines was generally associated with more favorable health-related outcomes in youth with ASD. The low level of adherence to all three guidelines (2.0%) suggests the urgent need to promote the adoption of all the guidelines in this group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Li
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China. .,Adapted Physical Activity + Laboratory, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Justin A. Haegele
- grid.261368.80000 0001 2164 3177Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, United States ,grid.261368.80000 0001 2164 3177Center for Movement, Health, & Disability, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, United States
| | - Fenghua Sun
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Maria Luiza Tanure Alves
- grid.411087.b0000 0001 0723 2494Faculty of Physical Education, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jihyun Lee
- grid.186587.50000 0001 0722 3678Department of Kinesiology, San José State University, San Jose, United States
| | - Kwok Ng
- grid.10049.3c0000 0004 1936 9692Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland ,grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Faculty of Education, University of Turku, Rauma, Finland ,grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Isabella dos Santos Alves
- grid.411087.b0000 0001 0723 2494Faculty of Physical Education, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sean Healy
- grid.15596.3e0000000102380260School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wendy Yajun Huang
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pauli Rintala
- grid.9681.60000 0001 1013 7965Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jernice Sing Yee Tan
- grid.462738.c0000 0000 9091 4551School of Sports, Health and Leisure, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yandan Wu
- grid.411503.20000 0000 9271 2478School of Physical Education & Sports Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hannah Yang
- grid.443819.30000 0004 1791 9611Department of Adapted Physical Education, Baekseok University, Cheonan-si, South Korea
| | - Eija Kärnä
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Hyokju Maeng
- grid.256304.60000 0004 1936 7400Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - André Lisandro Schliemann
- grid.411087.b0000 0001 0723 2494Faculty of Physical Education, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ding Ding
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zulkifli MN, Kadar M, Hamzaid NH. Weight Status and Associated Risk Factors of Mealtime Behaviours among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9070927. [PMID: 35883911 PMCID: PMC9316127 DOI: 10.3390/children9070927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Atypical mealtime behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been linked with oral sensory hypersensitivity that may contribute to food selectivity and weight issues. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the association between atypical mealtime behaviours and associated risk factors besides exploring the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Malaysian children with ASD in community settings. A total of 150 children with ASD aged 3−11 years participated in this study. A self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic variables, mealtime behaviours and oral sensory processing was completed by the caregivers. The prevalence of overweight in the study samples was 18.5%, whereas obesity was 20.0%. In a multivariate analysis model, oral sensory processing (B = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.493, 0.722, p < 0.001), severity of autism symptoms (moderate and severe) (B = 2.585, 95% CI = 0.722, 4.448, p = 0.007) and younger children with ASD (B = −0.694, 95% CI = −1.189, −0.199, p = 0.006) were found as independent predictors of atypical mealtime behaviours. Children with ASD aged 3−11 years old have a higher prevalence of being overweight and obese, thus requiring regular anthropometric screening in community settings by relevant healthcare professionals. Furthermore, a relationship was found between oral sensory difficulties and atypical mealtime behaviours in children with ASD. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in the overall management of food selectivity in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maizatul Naqiah Zulkifli
- Dietetics Programme, Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs (iCaRehab), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
- Department of Dietetics and Food Services, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh 47000, Malaysia
| | - Masne Kadar
- Occupational Therapy Programme, Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs (iCaRehab), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Nur Hana Hamzaid
- Dietetics Programme, Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs (iCaRehab), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
- Department of Dietetics and Food Services, UKM Specialist Children’s Hospital, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-92897511 (ext. 7080)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang JEH, Tsai SJ, Chen TJ, Wang TJ, Chen MH. Risk of retinal disease in patients with autism spectrum disorder. CNS Spectr 2022; 28:1-6. [PMID: 35678421 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852922000864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular abnormalities and visual dysfunction have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study assessed the risks of developing retinal diseases in individuals with ASD. METHODS In all, 18 874 patients with ASD and 188 740 controls were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2001 and 2009. The control group was matched based on demographic characteristics and medical and ophthalmological comorbidities. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated with Cox-regression analyses adjusted for selected confounders. RESULTS Individuals with ASD had a higher incidence of developing retinal diseases (1.48‰ vs 0.73‰, P < .001), and the diagnosis of retinal diseases occurred earlier than the controls (3.73 vs 6.28 years, P < .001). When compared to the control group, the HR of developing retinal diseases in the ASD group was 1.75 (95%: 1.04-2.94) and 7.84 (95%: 3.51-17.47) for retinal detachment. There was no association between the cumulative daily dose of atypical antipsychotics and the incidence of retinal diseases in the ASD group. CONCLUSION Individuals with ASD have a higher risk of developing retinal detachment and are diagnosed with retinal diseases earlier than controls. Future research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms mediating the progression of retinal diseases in the ASD population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce E-H Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Ji Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tso-Jen Wang
- Yuli Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Herman A, Herman AP. Could Candida Overgrowth Be Involved in the Pathophysiology of Autism? J Clin Med 2022; 11:442. [PMID: 35054136 PMCID: PMC8778531 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize the current acquiredknowledge of Candida overgrowth in the intestine as a possible etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The influence of Candida sp. on the immune system, brain, and behavior of children with ASD isdescribed. The benefits of interventions such as a carbohydrates-exclusion diet, probiotic supplementation, antifungal agents, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and microbiota transfer therapy (MTT) will be also discussed. Our literature query showed that the results of most studies do not fully support the hypothesis that Candida overgrowth is correlated with gastrointestinal (GI) problems and contributes to autism behavioral symptoms occurrence. On the one hand, it was reported that the modulation of microbiota composition in the gut may decrease Candida overgrowth, help reduce GI problems and autism symptoms. On the other hand, studies on humans suggesting the beneficial effects of a sugar-free diet, probiotic supplementation, FMT and MTT treatment in ASD are limited and inconclusive. Due to the increasing prevalence of ASD, studies on the etiology of this disorder are extremely needed and valuable. However, to elucidate the possible involvement of Candida in the pathophysiology of ASD, more reliable and well-designed research is certainly required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Herman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Warsaw School of Engineering and Health, Bitwy Warszawskiej 20 18, 19 Street, 02-366 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Przemysław Herman
- Department of Genetic Engineering, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3 Street, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Demir AÇ, Özcan Ö. The nutritional behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder, parental feeding styles, and anthropometric measurements. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:64-70. [PMID: 34151723 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2021.1934109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known to include problems relating to nutrition, information about nutritional behavior, caregiver feeding styles, and anthropometric measurements is still limited. AIMS We aimed to assess the nutritional behavior, anthropometric measurements, and caregiver feeding styles of children with ASD. METHOD One hundred and four children with ASD and 100 controls were enrolled in the study. Children's weight and height were measured and recorded by the researchers. The Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Parental Feeding Style Questionnaire, Development Assessment Form, and Sociodemographic Data Form were conducted by their caregivers. RESULTS Children with ASD were difficult to feed as babies, experienced more problems in the transition to supplementary food, were more selective about food, and were fed diets with a more limited variety than the control group. The BMI z-scores for children with ASD were higher than those for children without ASD, while their height z-scores were lower. Children with ASD displayed more responsiveness to food, emotional overeating, enjoyment of food, desire for drinks, emotional undereating, and food selectivity behaviors, while the parents of these children were found to use more emotional feeding, instrumental feeding, and tolerance-controlled feeding styles than the parents of the controls. CONCLUSIONS Children with ASD are more selective about foods and have greater difficulty in switching to supplementary food. The BMI-z score for children with ASD is higher and the height-z score is lower. Children with ASD have different eating and feeding styles compared to children in the control group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Çalışkan Demir
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özcan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
OUP accepted manuscript. Nutr Rev 2022; 80:2178-2197. [DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
34
|
Wang X, Li J, Liu D. Effects of epidural analgesia exposure during parturition on autism spectrum disorder in newborns: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on cohort study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:974596. [PMID: 36147992 PMCID: PMC9485435 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.974596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Labor epidural analgesia (LEA) is one of the most effective and widely used approaches for pain relief during parturition. we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the association between LEA exposure during parturition and ASD in newborns. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science database were searched from inception to January 2, 2022 to identify related articles. Literature screening was carried out strictly according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted and imported into STATA 15.0 software for meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 5 studies with 1763454 participants were included. A statistically significant correlation was observed between LEA and changed ASD (RR = 1.20, 95%CI (1.17, 1.24)), and the correlation between LEA and ASD were analyzed by univariate HR (ES = 1.34, 95%CI(1.27,1.40), P < 0.05) and Multivariate HR (ES = 1.13, 95%CI (1.05,1.21), P < 0.05). LIMITATION First, few studies were included, and most patients were from the United States. Second, the included studies were observational cohort designs, which cannot avoid selection and measurement bias. Third, the results of the included studies were heterogeneous, and a more detailed subgroup analysis was not possible. CONCLUSION There is a correlation between LEA during parturition and the risk of ASD in newborns. The Newborn whose mother received LEA during her birth-giving might be more likely to develop ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jie Li
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Dezhao Liu
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lin PI, Masi A, Moni MA, Kummerfeld S, Eapen V. Genetic Pathways Associated With Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:904091. [PMID: 35873241 PMCID: PMC9305657 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.904091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Children on the autism spectrum are more likely to have sleep problems than non-autistic children. Sleep disturbance may exacerbate emotional and behavioral problems of children on the autism spectrum. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying sleep disturbance provide clues to better management for this co-morbid condition in autism. The goal of the current study is to identify genetic variants associated with sleep disturbance and melatonin levels in autistic children. METHODS A total of 969 children on the autism spectrum were genotyped using the Global Screening Array v1 or Global Screening Array v2. Sleep problems were assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Melatonin levels were measured using the urine samples of 219 probands. The relationship between the melatonin level and CSHQ score was examined using the general linear model. The genetic variants associated with the CSHQ score and melatonin level as two separate quantitative traits were determined using genomewide association studies. RESULTS The data indicates that urine melatonin levels were positively associated with CSHQ scores, suggesting that autistic children with a poorer sleep qualiy could has higher melatonin level. Furthermore, genetic assocication studies suggest that genetic pathways involved in pro-inflammatory responses might be involved in sleep disturbance, while genetic pathways involved in catecholamine-secreting PC12 cells and Schwann cells could be associated with melatonin levels. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings indicate that sleep disturbance and melatonin metabolism could be attributable to distinct biological mechanisms in autistic children since they might not share genetic contributors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping-I Lin
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Mental Health Research Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammad Ali Moni
- Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health Data Science, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarah Kummerfeld
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Mental Health Research Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kirk S, Ogata B, Wichert E, Handu D, Rozga M. Treatment of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity: Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Based on an Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022; 122:848-861. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
37
|
Abdullah MM, Neville RD, Donnelly JH, Lakes KD. Are parental depressive symptoms related to the sleep quality and physical activity of their children with developmental disabilities? RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 119:104091. [PMID: 34634581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenting young children with developmental disabilities presents unique opportunities and challenges. Parents can experience meaningful priority shifts in and appreciation for their lives, but they can also be at greater risk for diminished emotional health. Physiological child factors warrant further investigation as correlates for parent risk of or protection from depression. AIM This study examined the relations between parental depressive symptoms and the (1) sleep quality and (2) physical activity in their children with developmental disabilities adjusting for parent- and child-level factors. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Children and parents were recruited for participation in this study from a university-based neurodevelopmental clinic. Parents completed questionnaires about themselves including measures of depressive symptoms and about their children including measures of sleep quality and physical activity. Researchers administered developmental measures to the children and physicians completed children's diagnostic evaluations. Participants were 147 children (32 ± 4 months old) mostly with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents (mostly mothers). Factors associated with parent-reported depressive symptoms were analyzed with a generalized linear model. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS An R2deviance value of 43 % confirmed that there was a substantial, moderate-to-large sized, improvement in the proportion of variance explained by the final model when compared with a null, or intercept-only, model. Depressive symptoms were approximately two times higher for parents of children with above average sleep disturbances and one and half times higher for parents whose children engaged in above average physical activity. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our study demonstrates the importance of considering children's sleep and physical activity in supporting children's developmental disabilities because they may offer pathways to enhanced family resilience and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam M Abdullah
- Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ross D Neville
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joseph H Donnelly
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kimberley D Lakes
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Raspini B, Prosperi M, Guiducci L, Santocchi E, Tancredi R, Calderoni S, Morales MA, Morelli M, Simione M, Fiechtner L, Muratori F, Cena H. Dietary Patterns and Weight Status in Italian Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Children. Nutrients 2021; 13:4039. [PMID: 34836294 PMCID: PMC8617730 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical eating habits are more common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than typically developing (TD) peers. Feeding problems may lead to the double burden of specific nutrient deficiencies and excessive weight gain, with a consequent increase in obesity prevalence. The dietary intake of Italian preschoolers with ASD compared to their TD peers and the impact of their dietary choices on their weight status and relationship to food selectivity (FS) were investigated. Dietary patterns and their associations with body mass index (BMI) were evaluated in 65 children with ASD and 82 peers with TD aged 1.3-6.4 years. Eating habits were assessed with a modified version of a parent-rated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Moreover, the prevalence of FS and possible links with dietary patterns and BMI were investigated in the ASD group. Children with ASD consumed significantly higher amounts of simple sugars, processed and ultra-processed carbohydrates, both low- and high-fat animal proteins, and lower amounts of vegetables and fruits compared to peers with TD. The obesity rate was 1.5% in children with TD and more than fourfold (6.2%) in children with ASD, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant. FS was significantly more frequent in children with ASD than in peers with TD. Children with ASD and FS showed significantly lower annual intakes of vegetable proteins and fiber (considered essential nutrients for a healthy diet) than children with ASD without FS. Our results showed that children with ASD showed different dietary habits than those with TD, with the higher consumption of energy-dense foods and lower amounts of food-sourced fibers, which could place them at increased risk to develop overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Raspini
- Department of Public Health, Neurosciences, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi, 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Aurora Morales
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mariangela Morelli
- Department of Public Health, Neurosciences, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi, 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Meg Simione
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lauren Fiechtner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Hellas Cena
- Department of Public Health, Neurosciences, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi, 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, ICS Maugeri IRCCS, Via S. Maugeri 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abdelraouf ER, Rashad H, Kilany A, Zeidan HM, Elhadidy M, Hashish A, Nashaat NH, Metwally FM. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Serotonin Levels in Autistic Children: Do They Differ in Obesity? Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.7223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The risk of obesity among autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children is high which could be related to a disorder in their metabolism. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in metabolic control, language behavior, and intellectual development. Serotonin has a role in satiety and energy expenditure.
AIM: Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of BDNF and serotonin in obese compared to non-obese ASD children. The influence of obesity on ASD severity, intellectual, and language development was also investigated.
METHODS: The study included 60 autistic children (Group I: 30 ASD children with obesity and Group II: 30 ASD children without obesity). The serum BDNF and serotonin levels were estimated by ELISA and by high-performance liquid chromatography.
RESULTS: All participants manifested delayed language development. Almost all of them had intellectual disability. The difference between groups regarding ASD severity, language, and intellectual development was non-significant. However, BDNF level in obese group was less than that in the other group while serotonin was higher in the obese group with significant statistical difference.
CONCLUSION: The difference between the groups regarding the levels of BDNF and serotonin, which are involved in the brain development, could be related to obesity. The influence of obesity on ASD severity, intellectual, and language development of ASD children was not distinctive in the participants. The influence of such markers on ASD severity and cognitive performance needs further investigations.
Collapse
|
40
|
Ballester P, Espadas C, Londoño AC, Almenara S, Aguilar V, Belda C, Pérez E, Muriel J, Peiró AM. The challenge of detecting adverse events in adults with autism spectrum disorder who have intellectual disability. Autism Res 2021; 15:192-202. [PMID: 34652075 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated intellectual disability (ID) take a high number of different psychotropic drugs simultaneously. Nowadays, little is known about this multidrug pattern efficacy and safety. The present study has endeavored to fill this gap creating a local pharmacovigilance system. A 36-month, retrospective and prospective, observational, and multicenter pharmacovigilance study was carried out in adults with ASD and ID (n = 83). Information regarding ongoing medications (polypharmacy: taking simultaneously >4 drugs; safety profile: adverse events' number, adverse drug reactions' number, and affected system; and observed-to-expected [O/E] ratio using the summary of product characteristics), and current diagnoses were recorded. A median of four ongoing medications per participant was registered, half of the sample was under polypharmacy regimen. Regarding all ongoing medications, 50% were antipsychotic drugs, and 47% of participants had >1 antipsychotic prescribed. In contrast, only 64 adverse events were identified from electronic health records, mostly due to risperidone. Half of them were related either to nervous or metabolic systems, and almost a third were not previously described in the corresponding drug summary of products characteristics. Extrapyramidalism, gynecomastia, hypercholesterolemia, and urinary retention were some AEs that occurred more frequently than expected (O/E ratio > 6 times) according to our data. The highest O/E ratio scores (>120 times) were for hypercholesterolemia and rhabdomyolysis caused by valproic acid. According to the number of adverse events and adverse drug reactions reported in electronic health records locally and nationally by clinicians, we need to increase awareness about medications safety. LAY SUMMARY: A 36-month study in adults with autism, ID, and polypharmacy (>4 drugs) was done to investigate drug safety on everyone. A median of four medications per person was registered, half were antipsychotic drugs, and 47% of participants had >1 antipsychotic medication simultaneously. Only 64 adverse events were identified from electronic health records, mostly due to risperidone. Half of them were related to nervous or metabolic systems and a third were not previously described in the drug information sheet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pura Ballester
- Clinical Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry Department, Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), Alicante, Spain.,Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Cristina Espadas
- Clinical Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry Department, Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana C Londoño
- Clinical Psychiatry and Psychology Unit, Department of Health of Alicante, General Hospital, Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Health of Alicante, General Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - Susana Almenara
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Health of Alicante, General Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victor Aguilar
- San Rafael Centre - San Francisco De Borja Foundation, Residential Facility, Alicante, Spain
| | - Cesar Belda
- Infanta Leonor Center, Autism Parents Association Valencian Community Autism Association (APACV), Alicante, Spain
| | - Enrique Pérez
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Psychiatry and Psychology Unit, Department of Health of Alicante, General Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - Javier Muriel
- Clinical Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry Department, Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), Alicante, Spain.,Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana M Peiró
- Clinical Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry Department, Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), Alicante, Spain.,Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Health of Alicante, General Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Buro AW, Gray HL, Kirby RS, Marshall J, Strange M, Pang T, Hasan S, Holloway J. Feasibility of a virtual nutrition intervention for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:1436-1450. [PMID: 34628975 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211051150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder are at an increased risk of unhealthy eating behaviors and obesity compared to their typically developing peers. Many nutrition interventions for this population focus on improving autism spectrum disorder symptoms or managing weight rather than addressing participants' healthy eating self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine a virtual implementation of a new intervention for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education. We used fidelity checklists, engagement records, and field notes to measure implementation. We also examined the feasibility of assessing outcome measures, including a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), psychosocial survey, height, and weight. We recruited adolescents with autism spectrum disorder aged 12-21 years. Six groups of 2-7 adolescents (27 total) participated in the intervention and pre-/post-intervention measurements. Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education consisted of eight weekly lessons: exploring taste, flavor, and texture; mealtimes and rules; food groups and nutrients; moderation; beverages; cooking; well-being; sustaining healthy eating habits. The virtual implementation was feasible based on lesson attendance, participation, homework completion, fidelity, and prevalence of technical difficulties. Evaluation was also feasible based on response rate, completion, and data quality for the food frequency questionnaire, psychosocial survey, and height and weight measurements. Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education may be used in virtual settings to reach diverse populations of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education on dietary behavior and obesity outcomes.
Collapse
|
42
|
Köse S, Yılmaz Kafalı H, Erkan İdris ZG, Şentürk Pilan B, Özbaran B, Erermiş S. The prevalence and risk factors for overweight/obesity among Turkish children with neurodevelopmental disorders. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 114:103992. [PMID: 34049231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence and correlates of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) between autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to investigate which variables significantly contribute to OW/OB in each group. METHODS Of 267 cases (96 with ASD, 80 with ID, and 91 with ADHD) aged 2-18 years, body mass index (BMI) percentiles, birth weight, food reward usage, weekly screen and physical activity time, and psychotropics used were recorded. RESULTS OB (OB + OW) prevalence was 22.9 % (36.4 %) in ASD; 22.5 % (40 %) in ID; and 17.6 % (27.5 %) in ADHD. Although the ADHD group had the highest rate of stimulant usage (χ2 = 69.605, p < 0.001), physical activity attendance (χ2 = 49.751, p < 0.001), and the lowest anti-psychotic (χ2 = 69.142, p < 0.001), and anti-depressant usage (χ2 = 7.219, p < 0.001) than ID/DD or ASD, BMI percentile of the participants did not differ between the groups (H(2) = 1.652, p = 0.43). In hierarchical logistic regression analysis, in ASD, food reward (OR = 4.65, 95 %Cl = 1.25-17.19) and the number of psychotropics used (OR = 2.168, 95 %Cl = 1.07-4.36) were significantly related to the risk of OW/OB. In ADHD, each drugs administered and a 1-kilogram elevation in birth weight was associated with a 4.09 and 2.82 increased risk for OW/OB. CONCLUSION OW/OB is prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders regardless of their diagnosis. Our findings showed that food rewards put a higher risk for OW/OB in ASD than administering a psychotropic. It could be better to use other positive reinforcements other than edible ones to prevent OW/OB in these children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sezen Köse
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Turkey.
| | - Helin Yılmaz Kafalı
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Turkey.
| | | | - Birsen Şentürk Pilan
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Turkey.
| | - Burcu Özbaran
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Turkey.
| | - Serpil Erermiş
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Şengüzel S, Cebeci AN, Ekici B, Gönen İ, Tatlı B. Impact of eating habits and nutritional status on children with autism spectrum disorder. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2021; 16:413-421. [PMID: 34140869 PMCID: PMC8178636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Obesity is common among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They suffer more feeding problems than children with normal developmental milestones. Several kinds of diet are recommended for children with ASD. This study determines the frequency of eating disorders and obesity among such children. We investigate the predisposing factors of eating disorders and examine the effects of consumed food on autism scores. Methods In this single-centre, cross-sectional study, 46 children with ASD aged between 2 and 10 years were included. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) forms were filled in by their parents. Results The rates of being overweight and obese were 10.9% and 28.3%, respectively. Food selectivity was observed in 84.8% of the children, and BAMBI food refusal scores were significantly higher for those aged between 2 and 5 years (p = 0.03). Autism scores and consumption of milk, yoghurt, oily seeds, rice/pasta, and fruits (p < 0.05) were significantly correlated. There were also significant differences between these scores and the frequency of consuming eggs, legumes, and other cereals (p < 0.05). Conclusion Obesity was more common in children with ASD than typically developed children. Despite the high rate of food selectivity, our findings confirmed that food selectivity could be considered independent of obesity. Further, the diet of patients with ASD must include more fruits, yogurt, eggs, legumes, other cereals, less milk, and less rice/pasta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayşe N Cebeci
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Istanbul Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Barış Ekici
- Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İsmail Gönen
- Department of Pediatrics, Private Liv Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Tatlı
- Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sun X, Chen L, Wang Z, Lu Y, Chen M, He Y, Xu H, Zheng L. Association of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neuroticism, and Subjective Well-Being With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:676030. [PMID: 34179139 PMCID: PMC8225943 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.676030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous observational studies have reported an association between psychiatric traits and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, we aimed to investigate the causality between psychiatric traits and CVDs. Methods: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neuroticism, and subjective well-being at genome-wide significance (P < 1 × 10−8) were identified from genome-wide association studies. Summary-level data of the outcomes, including coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF), were obtained from several largest datasets. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as our main analyses to conduct this MR study. Sensitivity analyses included the weighted median, the MR-robust adjusted profile score (MR-RAPS), and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) method. Repeated MR analyses using a more relaxed threshold (P < 1 × 10−6) for instruments selection and multivariable MR analyses were also applied to evaluate the robustness of results. Results: The MR analyses showed that genetic predisposition to ASD was associated with a higher risk of AF [odds ratio (OR), 1.109; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.023–1.201; P = 0.011] and HF (OR, 1.138; 95% CI, 1.036–1.251; P = 0.007). Neuroticism was casually associated with an increased risk of AF (OR, 1.201; 95% CI, 1.037–1.392; P = 0.015), whereas subjective well-being had a protective effect on HF (OR, 0.732; 95% CI, 0.574–0.933; P = 0.012). No other causal association between psychiatric traits and CVDs was observed. Consistent results were obtained in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: This study provided evidence of causal associations of ASD with a higher risk of AF and HF. Besides, neuroticism was casually associated with an increased risk of AF, and subjective well-being was associated with a decreased risk of HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingang Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuxian He
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongfei Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangrong Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Fortin SM, Chen J, Grill HJ, Hayes MR. The Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus Controls Food Intake and Body Weight via Hindbrain POMC Projections. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051642. [PMID: 34068091 PMCID: PMC8152732 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Mes5) processes oral sensory–motor information, but its role in the control of energy balance remains unexplored. Here, using fluorescent in situ hybridization, we show that the Mes5 expresses the melanocortin-4 receptor. Consistent with MC4R activation in other areas of the brain, we found that Mes5 microinjection of the MC4R agonist melanotan-II (MTII) suppresses food intake and body weight in the mouse. Furthermore, NTS POMC-projecting neurons to the Mes5 can be chemogenetically activated to drive a suppression in food intake. Taken together, these findings highlight the Mes5 as a novel target of melanocortinergic control of food intake and body weight regulation, although elucidating the endogenous role of this circuit requires future study. While we observed the sufficiency of Mes5 MC4Rs for food intake and body weight suppression, these receptors do not appear to be necessary for food intake or body weight control. Collectively, the data presented here support the functional relevance of the NTS POMC to Mes5 projection pathway as a novel circuit that can be targeted to modulate food intake and body weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Fortin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.M.F.); (J.C.)
| | - Jack Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.M.F.); (J.C.)
| | - Harvey J. Grill
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Matthew R. Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.M.F.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Weir E, Allison C, Ong KK, Baron-Cohen S. An investigation of the diet, exercise, sleep, BMI, and health outcomes of autistic adults. Mol Autism 2021; 12:31. [PMID: 33964967 PMCID: PMC8106173 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of autistic children suggest that restricted eating, reduced physical activity, and sleep disorders are common; however, no studies attempt to broadly describe the diet, exercise, and sleep patterns of autistic adults or consider relationships between lifestyle behaviors and the widely reported increased risks of obesity and chronic conditions. To address this, the authors developed the largest study of lifestyle patterns of autistic adults and assessed their relationships to body mass index, health outcomes, and family history. METHODS We administered an anonymized, online survey to n = 2386 adults (n = 1183 autistic) aged 16-90 years of age. We employed Fisher's exact tests and binomial logistic regression to describe diet, exercise, and sleep patterns; mediation of seizure disorders on sleep; body mass index (BMI); relationships of lifestyle factors to BMI, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetic conditions; and sex differences among autistic adults. RESULTS Autistic adults, and particularly autistic females, exhibit unhealthy diet, exercise, and sleep patterns; they are also more likely to be underweight or obese. Limited sleep duration and high rates of sleep disturbances cannot be accounted for by epilepsy or seizure disorders. Lifestyle factors are positively related to higher risk of cardiovascular conditions among autistic males, even more than family history. LIMITATIONS Our sample may not be representative of all autistic and non-autistic people, as it primarily comprised individuals who are white, female, have a high school education or higher, and reside in the UK. Our sampling methods may also exclude some individuals on the autism spectrum, and particularly those with moderate to severe intellectual disability. This is a cross-sectional sample that can test for relationships between factors (e.g., lifestyle factors and health outcomes) but cannot assess the direction of these relationships. CONCLUSIONS Autistic adults are less likely to meet minimal health recommendations for diet, exercise, and sleep-and these unhealthy behaviors may relate to excess risk of cardiovascular conditions. Although the present study can only provide preliminary, correlational evidence, our findings suggest that diet, exercise, and sleep should be considered and further investigated as key targets for reducing the now widely reported and dramatically increased risks of health comorbidity and premature death among autistic individuals compared to others. Physicians should work cooperatively with patients to provide health education and develop individualized strategies for how to better manage challenges with diet, exercise, and sleep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Weir
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, England, CB2 8AH.
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, England, CB2 8AH
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit and Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus,, Cambridge, England, CB2 0QQ
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, England, CB2 8AH.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cross-sectional investigation of insulin resistance in youths with autism spectrum disorder. Any role for reduced brain glucose metabolism? Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:229. [PMID: 33879765 PMCID: PMC8058067 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01345-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an etiologically heterogeneous disorder. Dysfunctions of the intermediate metabolism have been described in some patients. We speculate these metabolic abnormalities are associated with brain insulin resistance (IR), i.e., the reduced glucose metabolism at the level of the nervous central system. The Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is very often used in population studies as estimate of peripheral IR and it has been recently recognized as proxy of brain IR. We investigated HOMA-IR in 60 ASD patients aged 4-18 years and 240 healthy controls, also aged 4-18 years, but unmatched for age, sex, body weight, or body mass index (BMI). At multivariable linear regression model, the HOMA-IR was 0.31 unit higher in ASD individuals than in controls, after having adjusted for sex, age, BMI z-score category, and lipids that are factors known to influence HOMA-IR. Findings of this preliminary study suggest it is worth investigating brain glucose metabolism in larger population of patients with ASD by using gold standard technique. The recognition of a reduced glucose metabolism in some areas of the brain as marker of autism might have tremendous impact on our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and in terms of public health.
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhang Q, Zou R, Guo M, Duan M, Li Q, Zheng H. Comparison of gut microbiota between adults with autism spectrum disorder and obese adults. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10946. [PMID: 33717692 PMCID: PMC7931713 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obesity are serious global public health problems. Studies have shown that ASD children are at a higher risk of obesity than the general population. To investigate the gut microbe characteristics of adults ASD and obese adults, we compared the gut microbiota of adults with ASD to obese adults. Methods The fecal samples were collected from 21 adult patients with ASD and 21 obese adults, and V3–V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were sequenced by high-throughput DNA sequencing. The gut microbiota of adults with ASD and obese adults was compared. Results We observed the proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in ASD was significantly increased, with families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae significantly enriched in adult ASD. Eighteen genera, including Lachnospiracea incertae sedis, Ruminococcus, Blautia, and Holdemanella were significantly increased in adult ASD, whereas Megamonas and Fusobacterium were significantly increased in obesity. At the species level, we found six species enriched in ASD and three species enriched in obesity, including Phascolarctobacterium succinatuten producing propionate. Dialister succinatiphilus may be as a biomarker for predicting obesity, as well as Prevotella copri may be a common-owned pathogens of ASD and obesity. Conclusions Some conflicting results have been reported in microbiota studies of ASD, which may be related to age and obesity. Thus, the body mass index should be evaluated before analyzing the gut microbiota of patients with ASD, as obesity is prevalent in these individuals and gut microbiota is severally affected by obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Zou
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Guo
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Duan
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Huajun Zheng
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zheng Y, Verhoeff TA, Perez Pardo P, Garssen J, Kraneveld AD. The Gut-Brain Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Focus on the Metalloproteases ADAM10 and ADAM17. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010118. [PMID: 33374371 PMCID: PMC7796333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a spectrum of disorders that are characterized by problems in social interaction and repetitive behavior. The disease is thought to develop from changes in brain development at an early age, although the exact mechanisms are not known yet. In addition, a significant number of people with ASD develop problems in the intestinal tract. A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases (ADAMs) include a group of enzymes that are able to cleave membrane-bound proteins. ADAM10 and ADAM17 are two members of this family that are able to cleave protein substrates involved in ASD pathogenesis, such as specific proteins important for synapse formation, axon signaling and neuroinflammation. All these pathological mechanisms are involved in ASD. Besides the brain, ADAM10 and ADAM17 are also highly expressed in the intestines. ADAM10 and ADAM17 have implications in pathways that regulate gut permeability, homeostasis and inflammation. These metalloproteases might be involved in microbiota-gut-brain axis interactions in ASD through the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in the intestinal tract. In this review, the potential roles of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the pathology of ASD and as targets for new therapies will be discussed, with a focus on the gut-brain axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpeng Zheng
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Tessa A. Verhoeff
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Paula Perez Pardo
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
- Global Centre of Excellence Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research B.V., 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aletta D. Kraneveld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)3-02534509
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Riccio MP, Catone G, Siracusano R, Occhiati L, Bernardo P, Sarnataro E, Corrado G, Bravaccio C. Vitamin D deficiency is not related to eating habits in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. AIMS Public Health 2020; 7:792-803. [PMID: 33294482 PMCID: PMC7719555 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by the impairment of communication and social interaction and by repetitive, restricted and stereotyped interests. ASD is often accompanied by comorbidities; eating disorders are frequent and imply important nutritional deficits (i.e. deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids). Vitamin D has a critical role in neurodevelopment and serum levels in ASD are reported inadequate. A useful reference for setting up a correct diet in childhood is the food pyramid, which is inspired by the Mediterranean Diet (MD). The MD guarantees an intake of nutrients, considered optimal to maintain an adequate nutritional status. The aim of this study is to explore serum levels of Vitamin D and food habits (through MD adherence) in a sample of children with ASD and evaluate a possible correlation between these factors. METHODS study participants include 91 children 47 presenting ASD and 44 healthy typically-developing (TD) subjects, as control group. We evaluated serum level of Vitamin D in both group; anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index-BMI-and growth percentile) and MD adherence have been explored, in order to investigate the correlation among those data and level of Vitamin D in children with ASD. Lastly, the association between Vitamin D levels and severity of ASD symptoms has been analysed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION 74% of ASD group presented blood levels of Vitamin D under 30 ng/ml (normal range 30-100 ng/ml). The analysis performed showed that the two groups were significant different regards Vitamin D levels (t = 2.24, p < 0.05), according to literature. 31.9% of children with ASD presented a condition of overweight and 12.6% a condition of obesity. Adherence to the MD was low in 25.5% of cases. No significant statistical correlation has been found between Vitamin D serum levels, anthropometric parameters and the adherence to MD in the ASD group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Riccio
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Catone
- Department of Educational, Psychological and Communication Sciences. Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Siracusano
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Occhiati
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - Pia Bernardo
- Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Unit of Neuropsychiatry, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Sarnataro
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Corrado
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|