Abstract
BackgroundExplanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most significant challenges for scientists today. It is believed that a major pathogenetic factor of this condition is epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, including toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), aluminium (Al), and arsenic (As)). The nervous system may also be affected by deficiencies of both micro- and macroelements (e.g. calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn)). The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca in the hair of children with ASD and a control group.MethodsThe materials for the study comprised hair samples collected from 30 children diagnosed with ASD (case group) and 30 children randomly selected from the general population of Bialystok and surrounding region (control group). Concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca were tested with electron microscopy scanning method. Next, the content of the analyzed elements in the hair was assessed as well as their impact on autism development in the children and the mutual interactions between them. The obtained results were statistically analyzed with Statistica PL 12.5., using the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation coefficient.ResultsMean Ca level in the hair of the case group was lower than the mean level of this element in the control group. Mean As and Pb concentration in the hair of children with ASD was statistically significantly higher than the mean concentration of this element in the hair of children without neurological disorders. Statistically insignificant weak positive correlations between Ca and As content and negative between Ca and Pb in the hair of children from the case group were noted. Also, statistically significant mean positive correlations between Pb and As were observed.ConclusionsIn this small study, according to the observations, children diagnosed with ASD suffer from Ca deficiency and toxic metal overload (As and Pb). These abnormalities may play the main role, as an environmental factor, in the pathogenesis of the analyzed disorder.
Highlights
Explanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most significant challenges for scientists today
Mean Ca level in the hair of children with ASD (254.7 ± 91.96 mg kg1) was lower than the mean level of this element in the control group (312.8 ± 86.89 mg kg− 1)
We found weak negative correlations between the levels of the analyzed metals
Summary
Explanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most significant challenges for scientists today. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental impairments (in 2014 it was diagnosed in 1 out of 68 children) and is four times more common in boys than girls [1] (https://www.cdc.gov/ ncbddd/autism/data.html). This ratio is higher in those with a mild course of the disorder compared to individuals with an acute course of autism. Apart from intellectual deficits, ASD may be accompanied by metabolic disorders, motor organ development abnormalities, and chronic somatic diseases [1] (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/ data.html). A Ca deficiency can further increase the toxic effect of Pb and As [7, 8, 15]
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