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Botsas G, Koidou E, Chatzinikolaou K, Grouios G. Environmental Influences on Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders with Special Emphasis on Seasonality: An Overview. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1851. [PMID: 38136053 PMCID: PMC10742301 DOI: 10.3390/children10121851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper offers an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationship between environmental factors and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a special emphasis on seasonality. It reviews existing research, providing a comprehensive summary of findings and highlighting the multifaceted dimensions of several environmental factors influencing the etiology of ASD. The discussion encompasses various elements, including birth months, maternal health, dietary choices, and vitamin D deficiency, delving into the intricate interplay of seasonality with environmental influences such as viral infections and solar radiation. The present study raises essential questions regarding the timing of environmental influences and the factors contributing to the rising prevalence of ASD. Ultimately, it underscores the need for future epidemiological research to incorporate more extensive investigations of environmental risk factors and employ advanced statistical analyses. This comprehensive overview contributes to a deeper understanding of how environmental factors, particularly seasonality, may be linked to the occurrence of ASD and its increasing prevalence, recognizing the multifaceted and diverse nature of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Botsas
- Department of Early Childhood and Care, School of Social Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Education, School of Education and Social Sciences, Frederick University, 3080 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Eirini Koidou
- Department of Human Performance, School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (K.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Chatzinikolaou
- Department of Human Performance, School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (K.C.); (G.G.)
| | - George Grouios
- Department of Human Performance, School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (K.C.); (G.G.)
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Man MQ, Yang S, Mauro TM, Zhang G, Zhu T. Link between the skin and autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1265472. [PMID: 37920540 PMCID: PMC10619695 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1265472] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurological disorder. Although the etiologies of ASD have been widely speculated, evidence also supports the pathogenic role of cutaneous inflammation in autism. The prevalence of ASD is higher in individuals with inflammatory dermatoses than in those without inflammatory diseases. Anti-inflammation therapy alleviates symptoms of ASD. Recent studies suggest a link between epidermal dysfunction and ASD. In the murine model, mice with ASD display epidermal dysfunction, accompanied by increased expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines in both the skin and the brain. Children with ASD, which develops in their early lifetime, also exhibit altered epidermal function. Interestingly, improvement in epidermal function alleviates some symptoms of ASD. This line of evidence suggests a pathogenic role of cutaneous dysfunction in ASD. Either an improvement in epidermal function or effective treatment of inflammatory dermatoses can be an alternative approach to the management of ASD. We summarize here the current evidence of the association between the skin and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Qiang Man
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Dermatology Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center,San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shuyun Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The People’s Hospital of Baoshan, Baoshan, China
| | - Theodora M. Mauro
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Dermatology Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center,San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Guoqiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Calcaterra V, Magenes VC, Tagi VM, Grazi R, Bianchi A, Cena H, Zuccotti G, Fabiano V. Association between Vitamin D Levels, Puberty Timing, and Age at Menarche. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1243. [PMID: 37508740 PMCID: PMC10378582 DOI: 10.3390/children10071243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Pubertal development represents the process of physical maturation where an adolescent reaches sexual maturity and attains reproductive function. The effects of vitamin D are mainly mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is expressed in almost all body cells, including the ovary and human pituitary gland and animal hypothalamus. Thus, vitamin D has gained great interest as pathogenic factor of pubertal disorders and fertility. This narrative review aimed to provide a broad overview of the available literature regarding the association between vitamin D levels, puberty timing, and age at menarche. A review of the data on the involvement of micronutrient deficiency, as a modifiable cause of pubertal disorders, is important for the prediction and prevention of deficiencies as well as for fertility protection and should be considered a public health priority. Reported data support that vitamin D is a regulator of neuroendocrine and ovarian physiology and, more in detail, a deficiency of vitamin D is involved in altered pubertal timing. Considering the long-term consequences of early pubertal development and early menarche, the detection of modifiable causes is crucial in preventive strategies. Future studies in humans and with an increased scale are needed to elucidate the vitamin D role in sexual maturation and puberty development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Grazi
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Alice Bianchi
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Hellas Cena
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Clinical Scientific Institutes Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Fabiano
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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Evaluation of the Association of VDR rs2228570 Polymorphism with Elite Track and Field Athletes' Competitive Performance. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11050681. [PMID: 36900688 PMCID: PMC10001357 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11050681] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the vitamin D receptor (VDR), rs2228570 polymorphism, and its effect on elite athletes' performance. A total of 60 elite athletes (31 sprint/power and 29 endurance) and 20 control/ physically inactive, aged 18-35, voluntarily participated in the study. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) score scale was used to determine the performance levels of the athletes' personal best (PB). Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed by the genomic DNA isolated from the peripheral blood of the participants. Sports type, sex, and competitive performance were chosen as the parameters to compare within and between the groups by linear regression models. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the CC, TC, and TT genotypes within and between the groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, our results underlined that there were no statistically significant differences for the association of rs2228570 polymorphism with PBs within the groups of the (p > 0.05) athletes. The genetic profile in the selected gene was similar in elite endurance, sprint athletes, and in controls, suggesting that rs2228570 polymorphism does not determine competitive performance in the analyzed athlete cohort.
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Autism, heparan sulfate and potential interventions. Exp Neurol 2022; 353:114050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Dong HY, Feng JY, Li HH, Yue XJ, Jia FY. Non-parental caregivers, low maternal education, gastrointestinal problems and high blood lead level: predictors related to the severity of autism spectrum disorder in Northeast China. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:11. [PMID: 34980074 PMCID: PMC8722278 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-03086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased rapidly in recent years. Environmental factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ASD. These factors may include socioeconomic factors, nutritional factors, heavy metal exposure, air pollution, etc. Our aim is to analyze possible environmental factors associated with the severity of ASD. Methods All participating children were divided into two groups (mild and moderate/severe) according to the severity of their symptoms, as determined by their Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores. The socioeconomic, demographic factors and the nutritional factors that may affect the severity of ASD were included in the logistic regression to analyze whether they were predictors that affected the severity of ASD. Results Logistic regression showed that caregivers(P = 0.042), maternal education (P = 0.030), gastrointestinal problems (P = 0.041) and a high serum concentration of lead (P = 0.003) were statistically significantly associated with ASD severity. Conclusion Many environmental factors affect the severity of ASD. We concluded that non-parental caregivers, low maternal education, gastrointestinal problems and high blood lead level maybe predictors that affected the severity of ASD in northeast China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yu Dong
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jun-Yan Feng
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hong-Hua Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Yue
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Fei-Yong Jia
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China.
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The Association of Prenatal Vitamins and Folic Acid Supplement Intake with Odds of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a High-Risk Sibling Cohort, the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI). J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:2801-2811. [PMID: 34110557 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05110-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We examined maternal prenatal vitamin use or supplemental folic acid intake during month one of pregnancy for association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation, an enriched-risk pregnancy cohort. Total folic acid intake was calculated from monthly prenatal vitamins, multivitamins, and other supplement reports. Clinical assessments through age 3 years classified children as ASD (n = 38) or non-ASD (n = 153). In pregnancy month one, prenatal vitamin use (59.7%) was not significantly associated with odds of ASD (OR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.32, 1.53). Sample size was limited and residual confounding was possible. Given the estimated effect sizes in this and previous work, prenatal vitamin intake during early pregnancy could be a clinically useful preventative measure for ASD.
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Lorsung E, Karthikeyan R, Cao R. Biological Timing and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Role for Circadian Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:642745. [PMID: 33776640 PMCID: PMC7994532 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.642745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. ASDs affect nearly 2% of the United States child population and the worldwide prevalence has dramatically increased in recent years. The etiology is not clear but ASD is thought to be caused by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Circadian rhythms are the ∼24 h rhythms driven by the endogenous biological clock, and they are found in a variety of physiological processes. Growing evidence from basic and clinical studies suggest that the dysfunction of the circadian timing system may be associated with ASD and its pathogenesis. Here we review the findings that link circadian dysfunctions to ASD in both experimental and clinical studies. We first introduce the organization of the circadian system and ASD. Next, we review physiological indicators of circadian rhythms that are found disrupted in ASD individuals, including sleep-wake cycles, melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin. Finally, we review evidence in epidemiology, human genetics, and biochemistry that indicates underlying associations between circadian regulation and the pathogenesis of ASD. In conclusion, we propose that understanding the functional importance of the circadian clock in normal and aberrant neurodevelopmental processes may provide a novel perspective to tackle ASD, and clinical treatments for ASD individuals should comprise an integrative approach considering the dynamics of daily rhythms in physical, mental, and social processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Lorsung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
| | - Ramanujam Karthikeyan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Melough MM, Murphy LE, Graff JC, Derefinko KJ, LeWinn KZ, Bush NR, Enquobahrie DA, Loftus CT, Kocak M, Sathyanarayana S, Tylavsky FA. Maternal Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D during Gestation Is Positively Associated with Neurocognitive Development in Offspring at Age 4-6 Years. J Nutr 2020; 151:132-139. [PMID: 33136167 PMCID: PMC7779214 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D is critical to embryonic neuronal differentiation and other developmental processes that may affect future neurocognitive function. However, observational studies have found inconsistent associations between gestational vitamin D and neurocognitive outcomes. OBJECTIVES We examined the association of gestational 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with children's IQ at 4-6 y, and explored whether associations differed by race. METHODS This study used data from the CANDLE (Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood) cohort. Between 2006 and 2011, CANDLE recruited 1503 women in their second trimester of healthy singleton pregnancies. Inclusion criteria for this analysis were gestation of ≥34 wk and availability of 25(OH)D and IQ data. Associations between second-trimester 25(OH)D plasma concentration and Stanford-Binet IQ scores in offspring at 4-6 y were examined using multivariable linear regression; interaction terms were used to explore possible effect modification by race. RESULTS Mean ± SD 25(OH)D concentration among 1019 eligible dyads was 21.6 ± 8.4 ng/mL, measured at a mean ± SD gestational age of 23.0 ± 3.0 wk. Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL] was observed in 45.6%. Maternal 25(OH)D differed by race with a mean ± SD of 19.8 ± 7.2 ng/mL in Blacks sand 25.9 ± 9.3 ng/mL in Whites ( P < 0.001). In adjusted models a 10-ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a 1.17-point higher Full Scale IQ (95% CI: 0.27, 2.06 points), a 1.17-point higher Verbal IQ (95% CI: 0.19, 2.15 points), and a 1.03-point higher Nonverbal IQ (95% CI: 0.10, 1.95 points). We observed no evidence of effect modification by race. CONCLUSIONS Second-trimester maternal 25(OH)D was positively associated with IQ at 4-6 y, suggesting that gestational vitamin D status may be an important predictor of neurocognitive development. These findings may help inform prenatal nutrition recommendations and may be especially relevant for Black and other dark-skinned women at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura E Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA,Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - J Carolyn Graff
- Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA,College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Karen J Derefinko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaja Z LeWinn
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel A Enquobahrie
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine T Loftus
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mehmet Kocak
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frances A Tylavsky
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Jahrami H, Bragazzi NL, Grant WB, AlFarra HSM, AlFara WSM, Mashalla S, Saif Z. Vitamin D Doses from Solar Ultraviolet and Dietary Intakes in Patients with Depression: Results of a Case-Control Study. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092587. [PMID: 32858873 PMCID: PMC7551208 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study to estimate cumulative vitamin D doses from solar ultraviolet and dietary intakes in patients with depression and compare it to healthy controls. Using a case-control research design, a sample of 96 patients with depression were age- and sex-matched with 96 healthy controls. Dietary vitamin D dose was estimated from diet analysis. Vitamin D-weighted ultraviolet solar doses were estimated from action spectrum conversion factors and geometric conversion factors accounting for the skin type, the fraction of body exposed, and age factor. Patients with depression had a lower dose of vitamin D (IU) per day with 234, 153, and 81 per day from all sources, sunlight exposure, and dietary intake, respectively. Controls had a higher intake of vitamin D (IU) per day with 357, 270, and 87 per day from all sources, sunlight exposure, and dietary intake, respectively. Only 19% and 30% met the minimum daily recommended dose of ≥400 IU per day for cases and controls, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, percentage correctly classified and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) Area for the estimated vitamin D against serum vitamin D as reference were 100%, 79%, 80%, and 89%. Physical activity level was the only predictor of daily vitamin D dose. Vitamin D doses are lower than the recommended dose of ≥400 IU (10 mcg) per day for both cases with depression and healthy controls, being much lower in the former.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Jahrami
- Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain, P.O. Box 12 Manama, Bahrain; (H.S.M.A.); (W.S.M.A.); (S.M.); (Z.S.)
- College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, P.O. Box 26671 Manama, Bahrain
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +97-317-270-637
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, ON M3J 1P3, Canada;
| | - William Burgess Grant
- Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA;
| | | | | | - Shahla Mashalla
- Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain, P.O. Box 12 Manama, Bahrain; (H.S.M.A.); (W.S.M.A.); (S.M.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zahra Saif
- Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain, P.O. Box 12 Manama, Bahrain; (H.S.M.A.); (W.S.M.A.); (S.M.); (Z.S.)
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How 25(OH)D Levels during Pregnancy Affect Prevalence of Autism in Children: Systematic Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12082311. [PMID: 32752078 PMCID: PMC7468823 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of dysfunctions in social interaction, communication, and behaviors. The etiology of ASD is not yet fully understood; however, it consists of the interaction between genetics and the environment. An increasing amount of evidence points to the possibility that gestational and early-childhood vitamin D deficiency may be involved in the etiology of some cases of ASD. Herein, we systematically review the literature for studies on vitamin D status during pregnancy and ASD outcomes. Forty-three studies in the PubMed and 124 studies in EMBASE databases were initially found. After screening, 26 were identified as candidate studies for inclusion. Finally, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria, which originated from nine countries. The studies included 10 original research studies and four review studies conducted between 2012 and 2020. The strength of evidence that vitamin D levels during pregnancy increase the risk of developing autism is very low. This is because the evidence relies exclusively on observational studies that did not equally consider all important confounders and that assessed the indirect relationship between vitamin D as a surrogate for sunlight exposure and autism risk. The findings of this systematic review are consistent with the hypothesis that low vitamin D levels might contribute to the development of autism. However, we must also recognize the possible confusion bias and therefore experimental studies with very large sample sizes, given incidence of autism, that allow us to detect blood levels in pregnant women would be helpful to clarify this point.
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Kardani A, Soltani A, Sewell RDE, Shahrani M, Rafieian-Kopaei M. Neurotransmitter, Antioxidant and Anti-neuroinflammatory Mechanistic Potentials of Herbal Medicines in Ameliorating Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4421-4429. [PMID: 31721693 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191112143940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental issue that disrupts behavior, nonverbal communication, and social interaction, impacting all aspects of an individual's social development. The underlying origin of autism is unclear, however, oxidative stress, as well as serotonergic, adrenergic and dopaminergic systems are thought to be implicated in ASD. Despite the fact that there is no effective medication for autism, current pharmacological treatments are utilized to ameliorate some of the symptoms such as selfmutilation, aggression, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, inattention, hyperactivity, and sleep disorders. METHODS In accord with the literature regarding the activity of herbal medicines on neurotransmitter function, we aimed to review the most worthy medicinal herbs possessing neuroprotective effects. RESULTS Based on the outcome, medicinal herbs such as Zingiber officinale, Astragalus membranaceu, Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica and Acorus calamus, have antioxidant activity, which can influence neurotransmitter systems and are potentially neuroprotective. CONCLUSION Consequently, these herbs, in theory at least, appear to be suitable candidates within an overall management strategy for those on the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arefeh Kardani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Amin Soltani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Robert D E Sewell
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3NB. Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Mehrdad Shahrani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Song L, Luo X, Jiang Q, Chen Z, Zhou L, Wang D, Chen A. Vitamin D Supplementation is Beneficial for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 18:203-213. [PMID: 32329301 PMCID: PMC7242097 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2020.18.2.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to explore whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for symptom improvement in children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods We systematically searched the PubMed database, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sino-Med, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure mainly up to September 2019. Using a fixed effects model, we calculated the standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Furthermore, we analyzed baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and outcome scores including the Social Responsiveness Scale and Child Autism Rating Scale scores after vitamin D supplementation. Results There was no significant difference in baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among 203 children included from three studies in the meta-analysis. After vitamin D supplementation, the outcome scores in the experimental group were dramatically elevated compared with those in the control group (p = 0.03). Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation improves the typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, as indicated by reduced Social Responsiveness Scale and Child Autism Rating Scale scores; thus, it is beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyao Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Nursing Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou
| | - Lifang Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Pediatric, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Principi N, Esposito S. Vitamin D Deficiency During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorders Development. Front Psychiatry 2020; 10:987. [PMID: 32082196 PMCID: PMC7006052 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interactions, impaired communications, and stereotypic and repetitive behavior with different degrees of severity. The etiology of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, although the interaction of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a fundamental role in the process. The main aim of this narrative review is to discuss the current knowledge about the interrelationships between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder development. Literature analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy plays a role in conditioning the development and function of the nervous system. Studies carried out in vitro and in experimental animals have shown that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the nervous system that can be observed in autism spectrum disorder patients. Moreover, it has been reported that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy could be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder development in the offspring, that children with autism spectrum disorder have significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D than normal children and that supplementation of vitamin D in autism spectrum disorder children is associated with a reduction in psychiatric manifestations. However, the data currently available do not adequately support the hypothesis that vitamin D may be a factor which contribute to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should be better studied to establish whether and when fetal vulnerability is highest and if vitamin D supplementation is able to reduce the risk of structural and functional alterations of the nervous system and autism spectrum disorder development. The role of vitamin D after birth must be better defined to evaluate if vitamin D administration is potentially effective in reducing autism spectrum disorder manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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15
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Egorova O, Myte R, Schneede J, Hägglöf B, Bölte S, Domellöf E, Ivars A'roch B, Elgh F, Ueland PM, Silfverdal SA. Maternal blood folate status during early pregnancy and occurrence of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: a study of 62 serum biomarkers. Mol Autism 2020; 11:7. [PMID: 32131900 PMCID: PMC6964211 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-0315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evolves from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors during prenatal development. Since identifying maternal biomarkers associated with ASD risk in offspring during early pregnancy might result in new strategies for intervention, we investigated maternal metabolic biomarkers in relation to occurrence of ASD in offspring using both univariate logistic regression and multivariate network analysis. METHODS Serum samples from 100 women with an offspring diagnosed with ASD and 100 matched control women with typically developing offspring were collected at week 14 of pregnancy. Concentrations of 62 metabolic biomarkers were determined, including amino acids, vitamins (A, B, D, E, and K), and biomarkers related to folate (vitamin B9) metabolism, lifestyle factors, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), the kynurenine-tryptophan ratio (KTR), and neopterin as markers of inflammation and immune activation. RESULTS We found weak evidence for a positive association between higher maternal serum concentrations of folate and increased occurrence of ASD (OR per 1 SD increase: 1.70, 95% CI 1.22-2.37, FDR adjusted P = 0.07). Multivariate network analysis confirmed expected internal biochemical relations between the biomarkers. Neither inflammation markers nor vitamin D3 levels, all hypothesized to be involved in ASD etiology, displayed associations with ASD occurrence in the offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that high maternal serum folate status during early pregnancy may be associated with the occurrence of ASD in offspring. No inference about physiological mechanisms behind this observation can be made at the present time because blood folate levels may have complex relations with nutritional intake, the cellular folate status and status of other B-vitamins. Therefore, further investigations, which may clarify the potential role and mechanisms of maternal blood folate status in ASD risk and the interplay with other potential risk factors, in larger materials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Egorova
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Robin Myte
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jörn Schneede
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bruno Hägglöf
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Erik Domellöf
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Barbro Ivars A'roch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Elgh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Magne Ueland
- Bevital AS, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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16
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Alzghoul L. Role of Vitamin D in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4357-4367. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191122092215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder with heterogeneous etiology.
Vitamin D can function as a fat-soluble vitamin as well as a hormone, and can exert its effect through both genomic
and non-genomic mechanisms. In the last decades, several studies have examined the relationship between
vitamin D levels and ASD. These studies demonstrated that low vitamin D status in early development has been
hypothesized as an environmental risk factor for ASD. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that
vitamin D deficiency in early life can alter brain development, dysregulates neurotransmitter balance in the brain,
decreases body and brain antioxidant ability, and alters the immune system in ways that resemble pathological
features commonly seen in ASD. In this review, we focused on the association between vitamin D and ASD. In
addition, the above-mentioned mechanisms of action that link vitamin D deficiency with ASD were also discussed.
Finally, clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation treatment of ASD have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Alzghoul
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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17
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ATEŞ-ŞAHİNKAYA N, ACAR-TEK N, DIGÜZEL E. The association between maternal features and nutritional problems in children with autism spectrum disorder. REV NUTR 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-9865202033e190217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective In the literature, there is almost no data on the relationship between autistic children’s nutritional problems and their mothers’ demographic and nutritional characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether there was a relationship between maternal features and nutritional problems in autistic children. Methods This study was conducted with the participation of 58 autistic children (6-19 years) and their mothers. Descriptive data were obtained with a general questionnaire. For the evaluation of children’s nutritional status, anthropometric measurements and 24-hour dietary recall were used. Also, the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory and ORTO-15 questionnaires were used to evaluate the meal behavior of children and orthorexia tendency of mothers, respectively. Results No significant correlation was found between the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory scores in children of mothers with high and low orthorexia tendency. There were also no statistically significant differences between the children of mothers with high and low educational level in terms of Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory scores. Only the dietary vitamin B6 intake was significantly higher in the children of mothers with high educational level. Maternal age was associated with the dietary energy and protein intake, unlike, maternal orthorexia tendency was not associated with the nutritional status and meal behavior of children. The abdominal pain experience in the last one month was found to be significantly higher in the children of employed mothers than children of unemployed mothers. Conclusion It is thought that the maternal characteristics are not effective on meal behavior in children and also maternal age and educational status have a very limited effect on the nutritional status of children.
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18
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Jia F, Shan L, Wang B, Li H, Feng J, Xu Z, Saad K. Fluctuations in clinical symptoms with changes in serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels in autistic children: Three cases report. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 22:863-866. [PMID: 29629638 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2018.1458421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder caused by complicated interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Clinical trials, including case reports, case-control studies, and a double-blinded randomized clinical study, have suggested that high-dose vitamin D3 regimens may ameliorate the core symptoms of ASD. Vitamin D3 supplementation was effective in about three-quarters of children with ASD. To further investigate the relationship between vitamin D and ASD symptoms in vitamin D-responsive autistic children, changes in symptoms were assessed in three children with ASD who were given vitamin D3 supplementation followed by a long interruption. The core symptoms of ASD were remarkably improved during the vitamin D3 supplementation period when serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)]D levels reached over 40.0 ng/mL. However, symptoms reappeared after the supplementation was stopped, when serum 25(OH)D levels fell below 30.0 ng/mL but were again improved with re-administration of vitamin D3 after the interruption, when serum 25(OH)D levels exceeded 40.0 ng/mL. Overall, these results showed that the core symptoms of ASD fluctuated in severity with changes in serum 25(OH)D levels in children, indicating that maintaining a responsive 25(OH)D level is important for treating ASD. Maintaining a serum 25(OH)D level between 40.0 and 100.0 ng/ml may be optimal for producing therapeutic effects in vitamin D-responsive individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyong Jia
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Pediatrics of First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Research Center of First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Shan
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghua Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyan Feng
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhida Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Khaled Saad
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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19
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Stalnaker LD, Prasher P, Flesher S. Rickets treatment improves more than bone health in toddler with autism spectrum disorder: A brief report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2019; 7:2050313X19870026. [PMID: 31452890 PMCID: PMC6696828 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x19870026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder have been found to have lower levels of vitamin D than their peers. Our case report supports the hypothesis that vitamin D may be an effective treatment for developmental delay in autism. In addition, we review the literature surrounding vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of autism spectrum disorder and the role that vitamin D may play in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah D Stalnaker
- Departments of Pediatrics, Adult Psychiatry, and Child Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Priya Prasher
- Department of Pediatrics, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Susan Flesher
- Department of Pediatrics, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
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20
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Alhowikan AM, AL-Ayadhi LY, Halepoto DM. Impact of environmental pollution, dietary factors and diabetes mellitus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Pak J Med Sci 2019; 35:1179-1184. [PMID: 31372164 PMCID: PMC6659068 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.35.4.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex neurodevelopmental condition described by impairments in three main behavioral areas: social deficits, impaired communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite many years of vast study, the causes of ASD are still unknown. Various risk factors including genetic, infectious, metabolic and immunological have been investigated however, environmental, nutritional and diabetes related risk factors have not received sufficient attention. This study has provided an insight into the comprehensive interaction between environmental pollution, dietary factors and diabetes mellitus that could lead to the advancement of this debilitating neurodevelopment disorder. The literature search was done using PubMed and Google Scholar databases up to October 2018. Key words "Environmental Pollution", "Nutritional Factors", "Diabetes Mellitus", "Autism Spectrum Disorder" were selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Mohammed Alhowikan
- Abdulrahman Mohammed Alhowikan, PhD. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh 11461 and Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Yousef AL-Ayadhi
- Laila Yousef AL-Ayadhi, MBBS, PhD. Autism Research and Treatment Center, Department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh 11461 and Saudi Arabia
| | - Dost Muhammad Halepoto
- Dost Muhammad Halepoto, PhD. Autism Research and Treatment Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh 11461 and Saudi Arabia
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21
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Ali Y, Anderson LN, Smile S, Chen Y, Borkhoff CM, Koroshegyi C, Lebovic G, Parkin PC, Birken CS, Szatmari P, Maguire JL. Prospective cohort study of vitamin D and autism spectrum disorder diagnoses in early childhood. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 23:584-593. [PMID: 38321697 DOI: 10.1177/1362361318756787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested an association between vitamin D in childhood and autism spectrum disorder. No prospective studies have evaluated whether lower vitamin D levels precede ASD diagnoses - a necessary condition for causality. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate whether vitamin D serum levels in early childhood was associated with incident physician diagnosed ASD. A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from preschool-aged children in the TARGet Kids! practice-based research network in Toronto, Canada, from June 2008 to July 2015. 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was measured through blood samples and vitamin D supplementation from parent report. Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis was determined from medical records at follow-up visits. Covariates included age, sex, family history of autism spectrum disorder, maternal ethnicity, and neighborhood household income. Unadjusted and adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression with a robust error variance. In this study, 3852 children were included. Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis was identified in 41 children (incidence = 1.1%) over the observation period (average follow-up time = 2.5 years). An association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and autism spectrum disorder was not identified in the unadjusted (relative risk = 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.11 per 10 nmol/L increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration) or adjusted models (adjusted relative risk = 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.95, 1.18). An association between vitamin D supplementation in early childhood and autism spectrum disorder was also not identified (adjusted relative risk = 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.46, 1.62). Vitamin D in early childhood may not be associated with incident physician diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamna Ali
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Li Ka Thing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura N Anderson
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sharon Smile
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yang Chen
- Li Ka Thing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornelia M Borkhoff
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Gerald Lebovic
- Li Ka Thing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia C Parkin
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Catherine S Birken
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Jonathon L Maguire
- Li Ka Thing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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22
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Prenatal vitamin D deficiency does not exacerbate behavioural impairments associated with prenatal ethanol exposure in juvenile male mice. Behav Brain Res 2019; 356:127-136. [PMID: 30142394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.018] [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: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and exposure to low levels of ethanol in pregnant women. However, there are a paucity of studies that have addressed the impact of both vitamin D deficiency and ethanol exposure on the offspring's vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disorders later in life. The aim of this study was to examine whether the absence of vitamin D during gestation in mice would alter the effects of prenatal exposure to low dose ethanol on the behaviour and dopaminergic gene expression patterns of juvenile mice. Four-week old female C57BL/6J mice were placed on a prenatal vitamin D deficient (PVD) or standard diet for 6 weeks and mated at 10 weeks of age. Females were exposed to either 10%(v/v) ethanol or water between gestational days 0-8 and all were offered water thereafter. We found that blood ethanol concentration in the dams was not affected by maternal diet. Behavioural analyses of the offspring included ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) at postnatal day (P) 7, locomotion and social interaction at P21. The main findings were increased USV calling rate and impaired social interaction in males with prenatal ethanol exposure (PrEE). Gene expression analysis of transcripts involved in dopamine regulation revealed a main effect of ethanol exposure on dopamine- and cyclic adenosine monophosphate- regulated neuronal phosphoprotein (Darpp-32), a main effect of vitamin D diet on Dopamine 2 Receptors (D2R) and a main effect of Sex on Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) expression. The combination of PVD-PrEE did not exacerbate the alterations resulting from PVD or PrEE. Despite the limited evidence to support the interaction of PVD and PrEE during the postnatal period, males were more vulnerable than female offspring to the detrimental effects of PrEE. Therefore, based on these studies in mice we suggest that maintenance of optimal vitamin D levels and abstinence from ethanol during pregnancy would reduce risk of later disruption to brain function and behaviour in the offspring.
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23
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Infante M, Sears B, Rizzo AM, Mariani Cerati D, Caprio M, Ricordi C, Fabbri A. Omega-3 PUFAs and vitamin D co-supplementation as a safe-effective therapeutic approach for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: case report and literature review. Nutr Neurosci 2018; 23:779-790. [PMID: 30545280 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2018.1557385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by abnormal development of cognitive, social, and communicative skills. Although ASD aetiology and pathophysiology are still unclear, various nutritional factors have been investigated as potential risk factors for ASD development, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and vitamin D deficiency. In fact, both omega-3 PUFAs and vitamin D are important for brain development and function. Case report: Herein, we report the case of a 23-year-old young adult male with autism who was referred to our Unit due to a 12-month history of cyclic episodes of restlessness, agitation, irritability, oppositional and self-injurious behaviours. Laboratory tests documented a markedly altered omega-6/omega-3 balance, along with a vitamin D deficiency, as assessed by serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Omega-3 and vitamin D co-supplementation was therefore started, with remarkable improvements in ASD symptoms throughout a 24-month follow-up period. A brief review of the literature for interventional studies evaluating the efficacy of omega-3 or vitamin D supplementation for the treatment of ASD-related symptoms is also provided. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case reporting remarkable beneficial effects on ASD symptoms deriving from omega-3 and vitamin D combination therapy. This case report suggests omega-3 and vitamin D co-supplementation as a potential safe-effective therapeutic strategy to treat core symptoms of ASD. However, larger studies are needed to evaluate the real efficacy of such therapeutic approach in a broader sample of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Infante
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, CTO Andrea Alesini Hospital, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Barry Sears
- Inflammation Research Foundation, Peabody, MA, USA
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Applied Nutrition, Milan University, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Mariani Cerati
- ANGSA (Associazione Nazionale Genitori Soggetti Autistici), Scientific Committee, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caprio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Camillo Ricordi
- Diabetes Research Institute and Cell Transplant Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Diabetes Research Institute Federation, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrea Fabbri
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, CTO Andrea Alesini Hospital, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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24
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Altun H, Kurutaş EB, Şahin N, Güngör O, Fındıklı E. The Levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor, Homocysteine and Complex B Vitamin in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2018; 16:383-390. [PMID: 30466210 PMCID: PMC6245292 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2018.16.4.383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental syndrome with an increasingly prevalent etiology, yet not fully understood. It has been thought that vitamin D, complex B vitamin levels and homocysteine are associated with environmental factors and are important in ASD. The aim of this study was to examine serum vitamin D, vitamin D receptor (VDR), homocysteine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate levels in ASD. Methods In this study, serum vitamin D and VDR, homocysteine, vitamins B6, B12 and folate levels were determined in 60 patients with ASD (aged 3 to 12 years) and in 45 age-gender matched healthy controls. In addition, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, which are associated with vitamin D metabolism, were measured from serum in both groups. ASD severity was evaluted by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Results Serum vitamin D and VDR were substantially reduced in patients with ASD in comparision to control group. However, homocysteine level was significantly higher and vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate were also reduced in patients with ASD. Total CARS score showed a positive association with homocysteine and a negative correlation with vitamins D,B6, B12, folate and VDR. Conclusion This comprehensive study, which examines many parameters has shown that low serum levels of vitamins D, B6, B12, folate and VDR as well as high homocysteine are important in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. However, further studies are required to define the precise mechanism(s) of these parameters and their contributions to the etiology and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Altun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Ergül Belge Kurutaş
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Nilfer Şahin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Olcay Güngör
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Ebru Fındıklı
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
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25
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Paula-Pérez I. Convergencias y divergencias genéticas, neurobiológicas y ambientales entre el autismo y el espectro de la esquizofrenia. ANUARIO DE PSICOLOGÍA 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpsic.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Wagner CL, Hollis BW. The Implications of Vitamin D Status During Pregnancy on Mother and her Developing Child. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:500. [PMID: 30233496 PMCID: PMC6127214 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a time of tremendous growth and physiological changes for mother and her developing fetus with lifelong implications for the child. The concert of actions that must occur so mother does not reject the foreign tissue of the fetus is substantial. There must be exquisite balance between maternal tolerance to these foreign proteins of paternal origin but also immune surveillance and function such that the mother is not immunocompromised. When this process goes awry, the mother may experience such pregnancy complications as preeclampsia and infections. Vitamin D deficiency affects these processes. Controversy continues with regard to the optimal daily intake of vitamin D, when sunlight exposure should be taken into account, and how to define sufficiency during such vulnerable and critical periods of development. The importance of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in preventing some of the health risks to the mother and fetus appears linked to achieving 25(OH)D concentrations >40 ng/mL, the beginning point of the plateau where conversion of the vitamin D metabolite 25(OH)D, the pre-hormone, to 1,25(OH)2D, the active hormone, is optimized. Throughout pregnancy, the delivery of adequate vitamin D substrate-through sunlight or supplement-is required to protect both mother and fetus, and when in sufficient supply, favorably impacts the epigenome of the fetus, and in turn, long term health. There is a growing need for future research endeavors to focus not only on critical period(s) from pre-conception through pregnancy, but throughout life to prevent certain epigenetic changes that adversely affect health. There is urgency based on emerging research to correct deficiency and maintain optimal vitamin D status. The impact of vitamin D and its metabolites on genetic signaling during pregnancy in both mother and fetus is an area of great activity and still in its early stages. While vitamin D repletion during pregnancy minimizes the risk of certain adverse outcomes (e.g., preterm birth, asthma, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes), the mechanisms of how these processes occur are not fully understood. As we intensify our research efforts in these areas. it is only a matter of time that such mechanisms will be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L. Wagner
- Neonatology, Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Duszka K, Wahli W. Enteric Microbiota⁻Gut⁻Brain Axis from the Perspective of Nuclear Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082210. [PMID: 30060580 PMCID: PMC6121494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) play a key role in regulating virtually all body functions, thus maintaining a healthy operating body with all its complex systems. Recently, gut microbiota emerged as major factor contributing to the health of the whole organism. Enteric bacteria have multiple ways to influence their host and several of them involve communication with the brain. Mounting evidence of cooperation between gut flora and NRs is already available. However, the full potential of the microbiota interconnection with NRs remains to be uncovered. Herewith, we present the current state of knowledge on the multifaceted roles of NRs in the enteric microbiota–gut–brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina Duszka
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Walter Wahli
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Génopode, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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von Websky K, Hasan AA, Reichetzeder C, Tsuprykov O, Hocher B. Impact of vitamin D on pregnancy-related disorders and on offspring outcome. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 180:51-64. [PMID: 29169993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Observational studies from all over the world continue to find high prevalence rates of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in many populations, including pregnant women. Beyond its classical function as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism, vitamin D elicits numerous effects in the human body. Current evidence highlights a vital role of vitamin D in mammalian gestation. During pregnancy, adaptations in maternal vitamin D metabolism lead to a physiologic increase of vitamin D levels, mainly because of an increased renal production, although other potential sources like the placenta are being discussed. A sufficient supply of mother and child with calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy ensures a healthy bone development of the fetus, whereas lack of either of these nutrients can lead to the development of rickets in the child. Moreover, vitamin D insufficiency during pregnancy has consistently been associated with adverse maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes. In multitudinous studies, low maternal vitamin D status was associated with a higher risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and other gestational diseases. Likewise, several negative consequences for the fetus have been reported, including fetal growth restriction, increased risk of preterm birth and a changed susceptibility for later-life diseases. However, study results are diverging and causality has not been proven so far. Meta-analyses on the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and pregnancy outcomes revealed a wide heterogeneity of studied populations and the applied methodology in vitamin D assessment. Until today, clinical guidelines for supplementation cannot be based on high-quality evidence and it is not clear if the required intake for pregnant women differs from non-pregnant women. Long-term safety data of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women has not been established and overdosing of vitamin D might have unfavorable effects, especially in mothers and newborns with mutations of genes involved in vitamin D metabolism. Reliable data from large observational and interventional randomized control trials are urgently needed as a basis for any detailed and safe recommendations for supplementation in the general population and, most importantly, in pregnant women. This is of utmost importance, as ensuring a sufficient vitamin D-supply of mother and child implies a great potential for the prevention of birth complications and development of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline von Websky
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany; Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ahmed Abdallah Hasan
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Egypt
| | - Christoph Reichetzeder
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany; Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oleg Tsuprykov
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany; Institute for Laboratory Medicine, IFLB, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berthold Hocher
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany; Institute for Laboratory Medicine, IFLB, Berlin, Germany; Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
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29
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Altamimi M. Could Autism Be Associated With Nutritional Status in the Palestinian population? The Outcomes of the Palestinian Micronutrient Survey. Nutr Metab Insights 2018; 11:1178638818773078. [PMID: 29773950 PMCID: PMC5952272 DOI: 10.1177/1178638818773078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is believed that the cause of autism is multifactorial, where genetic predispositions interact with environmental factors. In this context, micronutrients play a crucial role. OBJECTIVE To present evidence on current micronutrient status in Palestine and highlight its possible role in increasing problems of neurodevelopment disorders in general and autism in particular. METHOD Analytical review of results. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The Palestinian Micronutrient Survey was conducted to assess micronutrient status in most vulnerable groups and also micronutrient deficiencies. The data from Palestinian population showed severe anaemia due to iron, Zn, B12, and folic acid deficiencies. One in every 3 Palestinian pregnant women is anaemic. Moreover, 78.2% and 87.1% of lactating mothers from the West Bank and Gaza Strip are Zn deficient. For children from 6 to 59 months old, 1 in every 4 boys and 1 in every 5 girls are considered anaemic. Similar trend was found with respect to vitamins E, D, A, and folic acid. We reviewed the literature that linked micronutrient deficiencies to neurodevelopmental disorders and expected the number of neurodevelopmental disorder cases, including autism, to increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Altamimi
- Department of Nutrition and Food technology, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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30
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Saggese G, Vierucci F, Prodam F, Cardinale F, Cetin I, Chiappini E, de’ Angelis GL, Massari M, Miraglia Del Giudice E, Miraglia Del Giudice M, Peroni D, Terracciano L, Agostiniani R, Careddu D, Ghiglioni DG, Bona G, Di Mauro G, Corsello G. Vitamin D in pediatric age: consensus of the Italian Pediatric Society and the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics, jointly with the Italian Federation of Pediatricians. Ital J Pediatr 2018; 44:51. [PMID: 29739471 PMCID: PMC5941617 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-018-0488-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the regulation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism, particularly during pediatric age when nutritional rickets and impaired bone mass acquisition may occur.Besides its historical skeletal functions, in the last years it has been demonstrated that vitamin D directly or indirectly regulates up to 1250 genes, playing so-called extraskeletal actions. Indeed, recent data suggest a possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of several pathological conditions, including infectious, allergic and autoimmune diseases. Thus, vitamin D deficiency may affect not only musculoskeletal health but also a potentially wide range of acute and chronic conditions. At present, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in Italian children and adolescents, and national recommendations on vitamin D supplementation during pediatric age are lacking. An expert panel of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics reviewed available literature focusing on randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation to provide a practical approach to vitamin D supplementation for infants, children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Saggese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Flavia Prodam
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Fabio Cardinale
- Pediatric Unit, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Immunology, AOU Policlinico-Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Mother and Child, Hospital Luigi Sacco, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Chiappini
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi de’ Angelis
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit and Clinical Paediatrics Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Maternal Medicine, University of Parma Hospital Trust, Parma, Italy
| | - Maddalena Massari
- Department of Mother and Child, Hospital Luigi Sacco, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Careddu
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniele Giovanni Ghiglioni
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Bona
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Mauro
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corsello
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOUP, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Cristiano C, Lama A, Lembo F, Mollica MP, Calignano A, Mattace Raso G. Interplay Between Peripheral and Central Inflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Possible Nutritional and Therapeutic Strategies. Front Physiol 2018; 9:184. [PMID: 29563885 PMCID: PMC5845898 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre- and post-natal factors can affect brain development and function, impacting health outcomes with particular relevance to neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Maternal obesity and its associated complications have been related to the increased risk of ASDs in offspring. Indeed, animals exposed to maternal obesity or high fat diets are prone to social communication impairment and repetitive behavior, the hallmarks of autism. During development, fatty acids and sugars, as well as satiety hormones, like insulin and leptin, and inflammatory factors related to obesity-induced low grade inflammation, could play a role in the impairment of neuroendocrine system and brain neuronal circuits regulating behavior in offspring. On the other side, post-natal factors, such as mode of delivery, stress, diet, or antibiotic treatment are associated to a modification of gut microbiota composition, perturbing microbiota-gut-brain axis. Indeed, the interplay between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system not only occurs through neural, hormonal, and immune pathways, but also through microbe-derived metabolic products. The modification of unhealthy perinatal and postnatal environment, manipulation of gut microbiota, nutritional, and dietary interventions could represent possible strategies in preventing or limiting ASDs, through targeting inflammatory process and gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cristiano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Adriano Lama
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Lembo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria P Mollica
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Wu DM, Wen X, Han XR, Wang S, Wang YJ, Shen M, Fan SH, Zhuang J, Li MQ, Hu B, Sun CH, Bao YX, Yan J, Lu J, Zheng YL. Relationship Between Neonatal Vitamin D at Birth and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders: the NBSIB Study. J Bone Miner Res 2018; 33:458-466. [PMID: 29178513 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that lower vitamin D might be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ASDs in 3-year-old Chinese children and to examine the association between neonatal vitamin D status and risk of ASDs. We conducted a study of live births who had taken part in expanded newborn screening (NBS), with outpatient follow-up when the children 3-year old. The children were confirmed for ASDs in outpatient by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 criteria. Intellectual disability (ID) status was defined by the intelligence quotient (IQ < 80) for all the participants. The study design included a 1:4 case to control design. The concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] in children with ASD and controls were assessed from neonatal dried blood samples. A total of 310 children were diagnosed as having ASDs; thus, the prevalence was 1.11% (95% CI, 0.99% to 1.23%). The concentration of 25(OH)D3 in 310 ASD and 1240 controls were assessed. The median 25(OH)D3 level was significantly lower in children with ASD as compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Compared with the fourth quartiles, the relative risk (RR) of ASDs was significantly increased for neonates in each of the three lower quartiles of the distribution of 25(OH)D3, and increased risk of ASDs by 260% (RR for lowest quartile: 3.6; 95% CI, 1.8 to 7.2; p < 0.001), 150% (RR for second quartile: 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 3.5; p = 0.024), and 90% (RR for third quartile: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.3; p = 0.08), respectively. Furthermore, the nonlinear nature of the ID-risk relationship was more prominent when the data were assessed in deciles. This model predicted the lowest relative risk of ID in the 72rd percentile (corresponding to 48.1 nmol/L of 25(OH)D3). Neonatal vitamin D status was significantly associated with the risk of ASDs and intellectual disability. The nature of those relationships was nonlinear. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Mei Wu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xin-Rui Han
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Min Shen
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shao-Hua Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Juan Zhuang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Environment Science and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
| | - Meng-Qiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chun-Hui Sun
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ya-Xing Bao
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Affiliated Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Emergency, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
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Föcker M, Antel J, Grasemann C, Führer D, Timmesfeld N, Öztürk D, Peters T, Hinney A, Hebebrand J, Libuda L. Effect of an vitamin D deficiency on depressive symptoms in child and adolescent psychiatric patients - a randomized controlled trial: study protocol. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:57. [PMID: 29490621 PMCID: PMC5831612 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1637-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a significant health and economic burden worldwide affecting not only adults but also children and adolescents. Current treatment options for this group are scarce and show moderate effect sizes. There is emerging evidence that dietary patterns and specific nutritional components might play a role in the risk for developing depression. This study protocol focusses on the role of vitamin D which is for long known to be relevant for calcium and phosphorous homeostasis and bone health but might also impact on mental health. However, the assessment of the vitamin D status of depressed juvenile patients, or supplementation of vitamin D is currently not part of routine treatment. Controlled intervention studies are indispensable to prove whether a vitamin D deficiency ameliorates depressive symptoms. METHODS/DESIGN This double blinded, randomized controlled trial will enroll 200 inpatients from a child and adolescent psychiatric department with a vitamin D deficiency defined by a 25(OH)-vitamin D-level < 30 nmol/l (12 ng/ml) and a Beck Depressions Inventory (BDI-II) score > 13 (indicating at least: mild depression). Upon referral, all patients will be screened, checked for inclusion criteria, and those eligible will be randomized after written consent into a supplementation or placebo group. Both study-arms will receive treatment-as-usual for their psychiatric disorder according to established clinical guidelines. The participants of the vitamin D supplementation group will receive 2640 I.E. vitamin D3 q.d. for 28 days in accordance with best practice in pediatric endocrinology. We hypothesize that delaying supplementation of vitamin D in the placebo arm will affect the treatment success of the depressive symptomatology in comparison to the vitamin D supplementation group. Patients will be enrolled for a period of 28 days based on the mean length of hospitalization of juveniles with depression. DISCUSSION Randomized controlled trials in children and adolescents with depression are needed to elucidate the role of a vitamin D deficiency for mental disorders and to investigate the relevance of a routine assessment and supplementation of vitamin D deficits. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS00009758, 16/06/2016 (retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Föcker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, D-45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Corinna Grasemann
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Kinderklinik II, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical Center and Central Laboratory, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nina Timmesfeld
- 0000 0004 1936 9756grid.10253.35Institute for Medical Biometry und Epidemiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Dana Öztürk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Triinu Peters
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Lars Libuda
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, D-45147 Essen, Germany
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Al-Hamdan AZ, Preetha PP, Albashaireh RN, Al-Hamdan MZ, Crosson WL. Investigating the effects of environmental factors on autism spectrum disorder in the USA using remotely sensed data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:7924-7936. [PMID: 29299867 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1114-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the association between exposures to outdoor environmental factors and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence in a diverse and spatially distributed population of 8-year-old children from the USA (n = 2,097,188) using the air quality index (AQI) of the US Environmental Protection Agency as well as satellite-derived data of PM2.5 concentrations, sunlight, and maximum heat index. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether the unhealthy AQI, PM2.5, sunlight, and maximum heat index were related to the odds of ASD prevalence based on gender and race and taking into consideration the confounding factors of smoking and socioeconomic status. The logistic regression odds ratios for ASD per 10% increase in the unhealthy AQI were greater than 1 for all categories, indicating that unhealthy AQI is related to the odds of ASD prevalence. The odds ratio of ASD due to the exposure to the unhealthy AQI was higher for Asians (OR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.11-7.88) than that for Hispanics (OR = 1.308, 95% CI = 0.607-2.820), and it was higher for Blacks (OR = 1.398, 95% CI = 0.827-2.364) than that for Whites (OR = 1.219, 95% CI = 0.760-1.954). The odds ratio of ASD due to the unhealthy AQI was slightly higher for males (OR = 1.123, 95% CI = 0.771-1.635) than that for females (OR = 1.117, 95% CI = 0.789-1.581). The effects of the unhealthy environmental exposures on the odds ratios of ASD of this study were inconclusive (i.e., statically insignificant; p value > 0.05) for all categories except for Asians. The odds ratios of ASD for Asians were increased by 5, 12, and 14% with increased levels of the environmental exposures of 10 μg/m3 of PM2.5, 1000 kJ/m2 of sunlight, and 1 °F of maximum heat index, respectively. The odds ratios of ASD prevalence for all categories, except for Asians, were increased with the inclusion of the smoking covariate, reflecting the effect of smoking on ASD prevalence besides the unhealthy environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Z Al-Hamdan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35899, USA.
| | - Pooja P Preetha
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35899, USA
| | - Reem N Albashaireh
- Department of Mathematics, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Normal, AL, 35762, USA
| | - Mohammad Z Al-Hamdan
- Universities Space Research Association, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, National Space Science and Technology Center, 320 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35805, USA
| | - William L Crosson
- Universities Space Research Association, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, National Space Science and Technology Center, 320 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35805, USA
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35
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Lerner PP, Sharony L, Miodownik C. Association between mental disorders, cognitive disturbances and vitamin D serum level: Current state. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2018; 23:89-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Miratashi Yazdi SA, Abbasi M, Miratashi Yazdi SM. Epilepsy and vitamin D: a comprehensive review of current knowledge. Rev Neurosci 2018; 28:185-201. [PMID: 27988507 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D has been considered as neurosteroid, and its pivotal role in neuroprotection, brain development, and immunomodulation has been noticed in studies; however, our knowledge regarding its role in neurological disorders is still developing. The potential role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy, as one the most prevalent neurological disorders, has received less attention in recent years. In this article, we review the possible relationship between vitamin D and epilepsy from different aspects, including the action mechanism of vitamin D in the central nervous system and ecological and epidemiological findings. We also present the outcome of studies that evaluated the level of vitamin D and the impact of administrating vitamin D in epileptic patients or animal subjects. We also review the current evidence on interactions between vitamin D and antiepileptic drugs.
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Ali A, Cui X, Eyles D. Developmental vitamin D deficiency and autism: Putative pathogenic mechanisms. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 175:108-118. [PMID: 28027915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disease that presents in early life. Despite a considerable amount of studies, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying autism remain obscure. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of autism. Vitamin D deficiency is emerging as a consistently reported risk factor in children. One reason for the prominence now being given to this risk factor is that it would appear to interact with several other epidemiological risk factors for autism. Vitamin D is an active neurosteroid and plays crucial neuroprotective roles in the developing brain. It has important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, immunomodulation, regulation of neurotransmission and steroidogenesis. Animal studies have suggested that transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with altered brain development. Here we review the potential neurobiological mechanisms linking prenatal vitamin D deficiency and autism and also discuss what future research targets must now be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Ali
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Darryl Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Qld 4076, Australia.
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James Onaolapo O, Yetunde Onaolapo A. Nutrition in autism spectrum disorders: A review of evidences for an emerging central role in aetiology, expression, and management. AIMS MEDICAL SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.3934/medsci.2018.2.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Saad K, Abdel-Rahman AA, Elserogy YM, Al-Atram AA, El-Houfey AA, Othman HAK, Bjørklund G, Jia F, Urbina MA, Abo-Elela MGM, Ahmad FA, Abd El-Baseer KA, Ahmed AE, Abdel-Salam AM. Randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2018; 59:20-29. [PMID: 27868194 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a frequent developmental disorder characterized by pervasive deficits in social interaction, impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication, and stereotyped patterns of interests and activities. It has been previously reported that there is vitamin D deficiency in autistic children; however, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in ASD children. METHODS This study is a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial (RCT) that was conducted on 109 children with ASD (85 boys and 24 girls; aged 3-10 years). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the core symptoms of autism in children. ASD patients were randomized to receive vitamin D3 or placebo for 4 months. The serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH)D) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. The autism severity and social maturity of the children were assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER UMIN-CTR Study Design: trial number: UMIN000020281. RESULTS Supplementation of vitamin D was well tolerated by the ASD children. The daily doses used in the therapy group was 300 IU vitamin D3/kg/day, not to exceed 5,000 IU/day. The autism symptoms of the children improved significantly, following 4-month vitamin D3 supplementation, but not in the placebo group. This study demonstrates the efficacy and tolerability of high doses of vitamin D3 in children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first double-blinded RCT proving the efficacy of vitamin D3 in ASD patients. Depending on the parameters measured in the study, oral vitamin D supplementation may safely improve signs and symptoms of ASD and could be recommended for children with ASD. At this stage, this study is a single RCT with a small number of patients, and a great deal of additional wide-scale studies are needed to critically validate the efficacy of vitamin D in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Saad
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Yasser M Elserogy
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman A Al-Atram
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Almajmaah University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira A El-Houfey
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Feiyong Jia
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mauricio A Urbina
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | | | | | - Khaled A Abd El-Baseer
- Department of Pediatrics, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Ahmed
- Department of Pediatrics, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M Abdel-Salam
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Alazhar University, Assiut, Egypt
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Shalev H, Solt I, Chodick G. Month of birth and risk of autism spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort of male children born in Israel. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014606. [PMID: 29150463 PMCID: PMC5702026 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the last two decades have prompted considerable efforts to investigate its aetiological factors. We examined an association between month of birth and ASD incidence. METHODS In a retrospective cohort of male children born from January 1999 to December 2008 in a large health organisation in Israel (Maccabi Healthcare Services), ASD was followed from birth through December 2015. RESULTS Of 108 548 boys, 975 cases of ASD were identified. The highest rates (10.3 and 10.2 per 1000 male live births) were recorded for children born in May and August, respectively, and the lowest rates for February (7.6 per 1000 male live births). Among lower socioeconomic status households, boys born in August were more likely (OR=1.71; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.74) of being diagnosed with ASD than children born in January. Significantly higher rates were not observed for other months. CONCLUSIONS In line with several previous studies, we found a modestly higher likelihood of autism occurrence among male children of lower socioeconomic levels born in August.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ido Solt
- Faculty of Medicine,Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Rambam Health Care campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gabriel Chodick
- Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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A review of prevalence studies of Autism Spectrum Disorder by latitude and solar irradiance impact. Med Hypotheses 2017; 109:19-24. [PMID: 29150285 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong disability with no known cause or cure. Among the suggested etiologies, is Cannell's hypothesis of a deficiency in Vitamin D the main natural source of which is Solar Ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation. The aim in this paper is to build on this hypothesis and explore the relationship of solar irradiance of which UVB is a component, by latitude with the prevalence rates of ASD. Twenty-five reports published between 2011 and 2016 using comparable diagnostic criteria were reviewed. The results suggest a tendency for the prevalence rates of ASD to be lowest in countries near the equator and for this rate to increase as the latitude increases. These findings provide some support not just for the Vitamin D hypothesis, but also for a new proposition that along with UVB radiation, the entire solar radiation spectrum which reaches the earth, may play a role in ASD. While these results are both novel and encouraging in terms of the potential efficacy of exposure to natural sunlight, further research is warranted before results can be considered definitive, and before the implications of the findings can be implemented clinically.
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Föcker M, Antel J, Ring S, Hahn D, Kanal Ö, Öztürk D, Hebebrand J, Libuda L. Vitamin D and mental health in children and adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 26:1043-1066. [PMID: 28176022 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-017-0949-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While vitamin D is known to be relevant for bone health, evidence has recently accumulated for an impact on mental health. To identify the potential benefits and limitations of vitamin D for mental health, an understanding of the physiology of vitamin D, the cut-off values for vitamin D deficiency and the current status of therapeutic trials is paramount. Results of a systematic PUBMED search highlight the association of vitamin D levels and mental health conditions. Here, we focus on children and adolescents studies as well as randomized controlled trials on depression in adults. 41 child and adolescent studies were identified including only 1 randomized controlled and 7 non-controlled supplementation trials. Overall, results from 25 cross-sectional studies as well as from 8 longitudinal studies suggest a role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of mental disorders in childhood and adolescence. Findings from supplementation trials seem to support this hypothesis. However, randomized controlled trials in adults revealed conflicting results. Randomized controlled trials in childhood and adolescents are urgently needed to support the potential of vitamin D as a complementary therapeutic option in mental disorders. Study designs should consider methodological challenges, e.g., hypovitaminosis D at baseline, appropriate supplementation doses, sufficient intervention periods, an adequate power, clinically validated diagnostic instruments, and homogenous, well-defined risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Föcker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ring
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Denise Hahn
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Özlem Kanal
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Dana Öztürk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Lars Libuda
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Li YJ, Ou JJ, Li YM, Xiang DX. Dietary Supplement for Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Where Are We Now and Where Should We Go? Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:155. [PMID: 28878697 PMCID: PMC5572332 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a class of severe and chronic conditions and core symptoms are deficits in social interaction, language communication impairments, and repetitive/stereotyped behavior. Given the limitations of available treatments and substantially increased prevalence of the disease, additional interventions are needed. Since the use of dietary supplements for ASD is of high prevalence, up-to-date information about those supplements are required for both parents and clinicians. Relevant articles were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and PsychINFO databases (through May 2017). Current best evidences of 22 randomized controlled trials on 8 different dietary supplements for core symptoms of ASD were reviewed. For each supplement, this report focuses on the definition and potential therapeutic mechanisms, the latest advances, and discussion of study limitations and future directions. Most studies were small and short term, and there is little evidence to support effectiveness of dietary supplements for children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian-Jun Ou
- Institute of Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ya-Min Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da-Xiong Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Hamza M, Halayem S, Mrad R, Bourgou S, Charfi F, Belhadj A. Implication de l’épigénétique dans les troubles du spectre autistique : revue de la littérature. Encephale 2017; 43:374-381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Gillberg C, Fernell E, Kočovská E, Minnis H, Bourgeron T, Thompson L, Allely CS. The role of cholesterol metabolism and various steroid abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: A hypothesis paper. Autism Res 2017; 10:1022-1044. [PMID: 28401679 PMCID: PMC5485071 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Based on evidence from the relevant research literature, we present a hypothesis that there may be a link between cholesterol, vitamin D, and steroid hormones which subsequently impacts on the development of at least some of the "autisms" [Coleman & Gillberg]. Our hypothesis, driven by the peer reviewed literature, posits that there may be links between cholesterol metabolism, which we will refer to as "steroid metabolism" and findings of steroid abnormalities of various kinds (cortisol, testosterone, estrogens, progesterone, vitamin D) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Further research investigating these potential links is warranted to further our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying ASD. Autism Res 2017. © 2017 The Authors Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Autism Research. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1022-1044. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Elisabeth Fernell
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Eva Kočovská
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Barts and London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute58 Turner StreetE1 2ABLondon
| | - Helen Minnis
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, RHSC YorkhillGlasgowScotlandG3 8SJUnited Kingdom
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Institut Pasteur, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions UnitParisFrance
- CNRS UMR 3571: Genes, Synapses and Cognition, Institut PasteurParisFrance
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris CitéHuman Genetics and Cognitive FunctionsParisFrance
- FondaMental FoundationCréteilFrance
| | - Lucy Thompson
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, RHSC YorkhillGlasgowScotlandG3 8SJUnited Kingdom
| | - Clare S. Allely
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SalfordManchesterEngland
- Honorary Research Fellow in the College of MedicalVeterinary and Life Sciences affiliated to the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow
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Karimi P, Kamali E, Mousavi SM, Karahmadi M. Environmental factors influencing the risk of autism. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2017; 22:27. [PMID: 28413424 PMCID: PMC5377970 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.200272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a developmental disability with age of onset in childhood (under 3 years old), which is characterized by definite impairments in social interactions, abnormalities in speech, and stereotyped pattern of behaviors. Due to the progress of autism in recent decades, a wide range of studies have been done to identify the etiological factors of autism. It has been found that genetic and environmental factors are both involved in autism pathogenesis. Hence, in this review article, a set of environmental factors involved in the occurrence of autism has been collected, and finally, some practical recommendations for reduction of the risk of this devastating disease in children are represented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padideh Karimi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Kamali
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyyed Mohammad Mousavi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Genetic and Identification Lab, Legal Medicine Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojgan Karahmadi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Noor Hospital, Isfahan, Iran
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Kočovská E, Gaughran F, Krivoy A, Meier UC. Vitamin-D Deficiency As a Potential Environmental Risk Factor in Multiple Sclerosis, Schizophrenia, and Autism. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:47. [PMID: 28396640 PMCID: PMC5366333 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this short review, we want to summarize the current findings on the role of vitamin-D in multiple sclerosis (MS), schizophrenia, and autism. Many studies have highlighted hypovitaminosis-D as a potential environmental risk factor for a variety of conditions such as MS, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and, more recently, psychiatric diseases. However, whether hypovitaminosis-D is a potential causative factor for the development or activity in these conditions or whether hypovitaminosis-D may be due to increased vitamin-D consumption by an activated immune system (reverse causation) is the focus of intense research. Here, we will discuss current evidence exploring the role of vitamin-D in MS, schizophrenia, and autism and its impact on adaptive and innate immunity, antimicrobial defense, the microbiome, neuroinflammation, behavior, and neurogenesis. More work is needed to gain insight into its role in the underlying pathophysiology of these conditions as it may offer attractive means of intervention and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kočovská
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , UK
| | - Fiona Gaughran
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudlsey NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Amir Krivoy
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudlsey NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Ute-Christiane Meier
- Neuroinflammation and Psychoimmunology Group, Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , UK
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Ng M, de Montigny JG, Ofner M, Do MT. Environmental factors associated with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review for the years 2003-2013. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2017; 37:1-23. [PMID: 28102992 PMCID: PMC5480297 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.37.1.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been rapidly rising in the past decade. The etiology of this disorder, however, is largely unknown, although the environmental relative to the genetic contribution is substantial. We conducted a scoping review to comprehensively assess the current state of knowledge of the environmental factors present from preconception to early life associated with ASD, and to identify research gaps. METHODS We searched electronic databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO and ERIC for articles on potential risk factors or protective factors from the physical and social environments associated with ASD and its subclassifications published between 1 January, 2003, and 12 July, 2013. We categorized articles into broad themes: chemical, physiological, nutritional and social factors, based on environmental exposure. RESULTS We identified over 50 000 publications, but after ineligible studies were screened out, 315 articles remained. Most of these studies examined physiological factors, followed closely by chemical factors, and to a much lesser extent, nutritional and social factors, associated with ASD. Despite a vast literature and many heterogeneous studies, several risk factors emerged consistently: chemical factors such as traffic-related air pollutants; physiological factors including advanced parental age, preterm birth, low birth weight, hyperbilirubinemia and clustering of pregnancy complications; and maternal immigrant status. Despite extensive research on vaccines, findings overwhelmingly demonstrate no support for an association with ASD. CONCLUSION The lack of consistency, temporality and specificity of associations between environmental factors and ASD remains the largest barrier to establishing causal relationships. More robust research is required to resolve inconsistencies in the literature. Future research should explore underlying mechanisms of associations between the risk factors that we identified and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ng
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - J G de Montigny
- Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Ofner
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - M T Do
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Chen J, Xin K, Wei J, Zhang K, Xiao H. Lower maternal serum 25(OH) D in first trimester associated with higher autism risk in Chinese offspring. J Psychosom Res 2016; 89:98-101. [PMID: 27663117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the association between maternal serum vitamin D status in first trimester and risk of ASD at age 3-7years in the offspring. METHODS Using a case-control design, 68 children diagnosed with ASD and 68 sex and age matched typically-developing children were included. Archived maternal blood samples from the first trimester of pregnancy (11-13weeks gestational age) were identified for those participants. Maternal serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D], unmetabolized folic acid (FA), vitamin B12, homocysteine (HCY) and High Sensitivity C Reactive protein (CRP) were measured from those samples. We examined the associations between those factors in pregnancy and diagnosis of ASD with logistic regression using SPSS. RESULTS Mothers in autistic group had significantly lower maternal serum levels of 25(OH) D than in typically-developing group [19.2(IQR: 15.8-22.9)ng/ml vs. 24.3(19.3-27.3)ng/ml, P<0.001], with 55.9% and 29.4% being vitamin D deficient, respectively (P<0.001). Levels of 25(OH) D increased with decreasing severity of ASD as defined by the CARS score (r=-0.302, P<0.001). Maternal first trimester serum levels of 25(OH) D in the lower 3 quartiles (quartile 1, 2, 3) (compared to the highest quartile) was associated with increased odds of ASD diagnosis in offspring [OR (95% CI) Q1: 1.36(0.84-2.58, P=0.25); Q2: 2.68(1.44-4.29, P=0.006); Q3:3.99(2.58-7.12, P<0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS Lower first trimester maternal serum levels of 25(OH) D were associated with increased risk of developing autism in offspring. If these findings are confirmed, this may present an opportunity for prenatal intervention to reduce the risk for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhang Chen
- Faculty of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710032, China; Department of Medical Psychology, General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, Shandong Province 250031, China.
| | - Kuolin Xin
- Department of Medical Psychology, General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, Shandong Province 250031, China
| | - Junjie Wei
- Department of Outpatient, General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, Shandong Province 250031, China
| | - Kangli Zhang
- Department of Medical Psychology, General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, Shandong Province 250031, China.
| | - Huajun Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Beijing 100142, China
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Vitamin D and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review. Nutrients 2016; 8:236. [PMID: 27110819 PMCID: PMC4848704 DOI: 10.3390/nu8040236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low vitamin D status in early development has been hypothesised as an environmental risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), given the concurrent increase in the prevalence of these two conditions, and the association of vitamin D with many ASD-associated medical conditions. Identification of vitamin D-ASD factors may provide indications for primary and secondary prevention interventions. We systematically reviewed the literature for studies on vitamin D-ASD relationship, including potential mechanistic pathways. We identified seven specific areas, including: latitude, season of conception/birth, maternal migration/ethnicity, vitamin D status of mothers and ASD patients, and vitamin D intervention to prevent and treat ASD. Due to differences in the methodological procedures and inconsistent results, drawing conclusions from the first three areas is difficult. Using a more direct measure of vitamin D status—that is, serum 25(OH)D level during pregnancy or childhood—we found growing evidence for a relationship between vitamin D and ASD. These findings are supported by convincing evidence from experimental studies investigating the mechanistic pathways. However, with few primary and secondary prevention intervention trials, this relationship cannot be determined, unless randomised placebo-controlled trials of vitamin D as a preventive or disease-modifying measure in ASD patients are available.
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