August 19, 2024
- A recent study published in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences suggests that measuring specific fatty acid metabolites in newborn blood could predict ASD risk. Researchers from the University of Fukui analyzed umbilical cord blood from 200 children and found that higher levels of the metabolites 11,12-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (diHETrE) were associated with increased ASD symptoms by age six. This discovery highlights the potential for early detection of ASD through blood tests, which could lead to timely interventions and improved outcomes for children. The study underscores the importance of prenatal factors in ASD development and opens new avenues for research into preventive measures and diagnostic tools.
- A team of researchers has examined how maternal folic acid intake during pregnancy affects newborn folate levels and the risk of ASD and developmental delay. They found that while maternal folic acid intake was linked to higher newborn folate levels, this did not translate into a reduced risk of ASD. Notably, newborn folate levels were influenced by the timing of maternal folic acid intake and varied by the child’s MTHFR genotype. Specifically, children with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype showed some association between neonatal folate levels and ASD risk. These findings suggest that while prenatal folic acid intake affects newborn folate, it does not directly reduce the risk of ASD, indicating the need for further research on genetic factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- New research published in BMJ Open reveals that children exhibiting neurodevelopmental or neurodivergent traits, such as autism or ADHD, are at a doubled risk of developing chronic disabling fatigue (CDF) by age 18. CDF, which can be linked to conditions like myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and long COVID, is characterized by persistent and debilitating fatigue. The study, based on data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, found that neurodivergent traits at ages seven or nine were associated with a two-fold increase in CDF risk at 18. Additionally, higher levels of the inflammatory marker interleukin 6 (IL-6) at age nine were linked to a 1.5 times greater risk of CDF, even when accounting for depression. These findings underscore the need for further research into the inflammatory processes involved and highlight the importance of early monitoring for fatigue-related symptoms in neurodivergent children.
- Moleculera Labs, now rebranded as Moleculera Biosciences, has expanded its focus from immune-mediated central nervous system and cardiovascular disorders to a broader range of conditions, including neuropsychiatric, neuro-degenerative, and Long-COVID disorders. This rebranding includes a new name, a 15,000-sample biorepository, and a revamped website. The company’s innovative Autoimmune Brain Panel™ is now more accurately described, reflecting its commitment to advancing precision medicine through autoantibody testing and bioinformatics. This expansion promises potential new insights into the role of immune dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, potentially leading to improved diagnostic tools and treatments tailored to individual needs.
