September 02, 2024
- Researchers at the University of California San Diego have uncovered crucial insights into ASD by studying neurotransmitter changes in mouse models. Their study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that environmental factors can disrupt neurotransmitter balance early in development, leading to ASD-like behaviors. Specifically, the research shows that a temporary switch from the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in neonatal mice can cause behaviors such as repetitive grooming and reduced social interaction in adulthood. Importantly, reversing this switch early on can prevent these behaviors. These findings suggest that early neurotransmitter imbalances could be a primary cause of ASD and highlight potential new avenues for early intervention to mitigate these disorders.
- New research involving nearly 10,000 children born in Ontario, Canada, found a strong and consistent link between prenatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ASD. Published findings reveal that exposure to NO2, both before conception and during pregnancy, is associated with increased ASD risk. This association persisted across various analytical models, while links between ASD and exposure to ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM2.5) were less consistent. The study indicates that NO2 exposure during early-to-mid pregnancy and before conception may be particularly impactful. These results underscore the need for further research on how air pollution, especially NO2, affects neurodevelopment, and highlight the importance of addressing environmental factors to mitigate ASD risk potentially.
- A novel study examined the impact of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on salivary IL-6 levels in individuals with ASD. The findings indicate that adherence to the MD is associated with lower salivary IL-6 levels, a marker of inflammation linked to ASD severity. High IL-6 levels are known to exacerbate autism symptoms by promoting excitatory synapses and impairing inhibitory synapse development. This research highlights the potential of the MD to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress in ASD, which may improve cognitive function and overall well-being. The study also introduces a less invasive method for monitoring biomarkers through saliva, potentially reducing stress for individuals with ASD during evaluations.
- A review of 33 studies on ASD screening in young children found inconclusive evidence regarding diagnostic stability, screening accuracy, and intervention benefits. The review highlighted that while diagnostic stability estimates ranged from 72% to 100% over 24 months, the findings were likely biased due to methodological flaws, such as lack of blinding. Of 25 studies assessing the accuracy of 11 screening tools, including various versions of the M-CHAT, sensitivity ranged widely and many studies had significant bias. Additionally, only four studies evaluated early interventions for screen-detected children, with most showing no significant improvement in outcomes. The review calls for better-designed studies with blinded assessments, longer follow-ups, and reduced attrition to clarify these issues.
