September 16, 2024
- A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial found that oral folinic acid supplementation significantly improves symptoms in children with ASD, particularly those with high levels of folate receptor autoantibodies. Over 24 weeks, children receiving folinic acid showed greater reductions in their Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores and improved behavioral outcomes compared to a placebo group. No adverse reactions were reported. These findings suggest folinic acid may be a safe and effective supplement to standard care for children with ASD, with pronounced benefits for those with specific autoantibody profiles, offering a potential new avenue for targeted treatment in the autism community.
- Australian research has discovered that inflammatory gene expression in pregnant mothers with asthma may be linked to an increased likelihood of autism in their infants. Researchers analyzed 24 mothers’ blood samples and found six inflammatory genes that were significantly upregulated in mothers whose infants showed higher autism likelihood, based on the First Year Inventory. Genes like CYSLTR2 and CXCL10 were associated with social communication difficulties, while ALOX5 and MAFK were linked to sensory regulation issues. This study suggests that maternal immune activation during pregnancy could play a role in the development of autism, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
- A review published in Environmental Health Perspectives determined that poor housing conditions, mainly residential dampness and mold exposure, have harmful effects on mental health in both adults and children. The review found that adults showed higher rates of depression and reported poor mental health, while children exhibited emotional dysregulation and symptoms. The study suggests that mold may affect the brain through biochemical processes, but more research is needed to confirm this in humans. The authors advocate for future research to standardize measurement techniques and examine the long-term effects of mold exposure on mental health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children.
- Researchers from Saudi Arabia have raised serious concerns about fetal exposure to toxic metals, such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), through red blood cell transfusions. The findings of their new clinical research article suggest that these metals can efficiently transfer across the placental barrier, with several cases exceeding safety thresholds. This exposure during critical developmental periods may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental delays and other long-term health issues, including cancer. Their study calls for stricter screening processes for blood donors to reduce toxic metal content and highlights the need for long-term monitoring of children who receive transfusions. Ultimately, this research suggests that early exposure to these toxicants could potentially exacerbate neurodevelopmental risks, underlining the importance of reducing environmental and medical sources of these metals.
