November 13, 2023
- A new MIND Institute research article discusses the impact of asthma and air pollution on fetal neurodevelopment. Asthma and air pollution are two significant sources of immune stimulation that can significantly impact pregnant mothers. The study hypothesized that combining these two environmental stimuli would result in an exacerbated neuroimmune response in offspring. While the study found limited evidence of an additive or synergistic effect of maternal asthma activation (MAA) and ultrafine iron-soot (UIS) exposure combined, there were increases in cytokine concentrations across all treatment groups in the cortex and hippocampus that may suggest converging pathways for each insult/exposure. The study also identified potentially suppressive activities that may suggest activation of competing or diverging pathways. The data showed that MAA and UIS environmental stimuli could result in an altered neuroimmune environment that persists from juvenile to adulthood. The study also discussed the impact of cytokines on the brain and how moderate increases in cytokines can alter the neuropatterning of offspring brains, specifically in the cortex and hippocampus, which may be linked to behavioral changes and deficits associated with autism. Additionally, the study found that MAA and UIS exposure can increase microglia density in the hippocampus, suggesting that these environmental factors can result in a deviation from homeostatic activity in the offspring hippocampus.
- According to a recent research article, a combined metabolic analysis and targeted treatment approach can address the specific biology of a child’s neurodevelopmental condition, leading to more effective treatment and better outcomes. In short, this study aimed to identify metabolic biomarkers associated with subpopulations of individuals with autism. The research used quantitative measurements of 54 metabolites and their ratios in a selected cohort of 499 individuals with autism and 209 typically developing controls to identify 153 autism-associated biomarkers. These biomarkers were clustered into 30 clusters and formed seven groups based on fold changes of free carnitine, selected acylcarnitines, the branched-chain amino acids, lactate, and pyruvate, revealing patterns of metabolic dysregulation in autism.
- New research from Ohio State sought improved diabetes estimates for adults with autism. The research team analyzed a large private health insurance claims database to estimate how common diabetes was among adults on the spectrum and how likely they were to have diabetes compared to neurotypical adults at 5-year age intervals throughout adulthood. Their study discovered that diabetes was more common among adults with autism than neurotypical adults and that adults on the spectrum were significantly more likely than neurotypical adults to have diabetes throughout most of their lives.
- Join the Child Mind Institute to learn “How to Help Kids Focus.” This free webinar is on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. EST. The event aims to help parents learn practical strategies to support children and adolescents struggling with inattention and hyperactivity. During the webinar, clinicians will share advice and routines for the home and in the classroom. Fort Health, Child Mind Institute, and ADHD specialists Agave Health are presenting this event.
