Recent research has brought to light an important discovery: a metabolite of Fatty acidswhich is present in the blood of newborns, could increase the severity of the symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) influence.
This discovery paves the way for possible early diagnosis and intervention, which could potentially improve outcomes for those affected by ASD. Scientists have identified a correlation between fatty acid metabolites in cord blood and autism symptoms in children.
Die ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects learning skills and social interactions. In recent years, awareness of ASD has increased considerably but many aspects of the disorder are still poorly understood. Although the exact causes of the ASD are not yet fully understood, current evidence suggests that the Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role.
Various studies on mouse models of ASD have pointed out that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their metabolites during pregnancy could influence the development of the disorder.
In particular, the Cytochrom P450 (CYP) regulierten PUFAmetabolites to affect fetal development in mice and cause deficits that are closely related to the symptoms of ASD are connected.
However, it remains to be verified whether this also applies to humans, which requires further studies. To investigate this possibility, a Japanese research team led by Professor Hideo Matsuzaki from the Research Center for Child Intellectual Development an der Fukui University die CYP-PUFAlevels in umbilical cord blood samples were analyzed.
The study, published in the journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences provides new information about the possible causes of the ASD. Professor Matsuzaki stated that the CYP-Metabolism of both epoxy fatty acids (EpFAs), which are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, as well as hydroxy fatty acids (Diols), which have pro-inflammatory properties.
Research suggests that a disturbed balance between these metabolites during the fetal period – with lower EpFA– and higher Diols-Mirrors – the severity of ASD-symptoms in children. The study identified that high levels of 11-12-diHETrE in umbilical cord blood with ASD-Symptoms such as social affect (SA) and adaptive functioning (AF).
In contrast, lower levels of 8-9-diHETrE to be correlated with repetitive and restrictive behaviors (RRB). To test these hypotheses, the researchers examined the relationship between the PUFA-metabolites in cord blood and the ASDvalues in a sample of 200 children. The blood samples were taken immediately after birth and properly preserved, while the ASDsymptoms and adaptive functioning at age six with the support of their mothers. Statistical analyses of the results showed that a compound present in cord blood, diHEtrEderived from the Arachidonic acida significant influence on the severity of ASD could have.
These results could have fundamental implications for the early diagnosis and treatment of ASD have.
