Abstract
Previous studies have found a higher body-burden of toxic metals, particularly mercury (Hg), among subjects diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in comparison to neurotypical controls. Moreover, Hg body-burden was associated with ASD severity. This cross-sectional study examined the potential correlation between hair toxic metal concentrations and ASD severity in a prospective cohort of participants diagnosed with moderate to severe ASD. The Institutional Review Board at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (Dallas, TX) approved the present study. Qualifying study participants (n = 18) were evaluated for ASD severity using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and quantitatively for arsenic, Hg, cadmium, lead, chromium, cobalt, nickel, aluminum, tin, uranium, and manganese using hair toxic element testing by Doctor’s Data (a CLIA-approved laboratory). CARS scoring and hair toxic element testing were blinded to one another. Increasing hair Hg concentrations significantly correlated with increased ASD severity. In contrast, no significant correlations were observed between any other of the hair toxic metals examined and ASD severity. This study helps to provide additional mechanistic support for Hg in the etiology of ASD severity, and is supported by an increasing number of recent critical reviews that provide biological plausibility for the role of Hg exposure in the pathogenesis of ASDs.
Highlights
Desoto and Hitlan undertook a review of published research studies examining the relationship between toxic metal exposures and the risk of a subject being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1]
Studies have shown an association between an ASD diagnosis and various toxic metals, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), the bulk of the research has focused on mercury (Hg)
Participants were included in the present study if they had a previous ASD diagnosis, which was confirmed at the time of the study by the principal investigator (JKK) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria [22] and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) evaluation determined by the principal investigator (JKK) [23,24]
Summary
Desoto and Hitlan undertook a review of published research studies examining the relationship between toxic metal exposures and the risk of a subject being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1]. These investigators identified 58 research articles which provided empirical evidence relevant to the question of a link between an ASD diagnosis and one or more toxic metal exposures. 74% of the studies examined showed a significant relationship between an ASD diagnosis and toxic metal exposure These investigators concluded that the balance of studies support a link between. Studies have shown an association between an ASD diagnosis and various toxic metals, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), the bulk of the research has focused on mercury (Hg)
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