Elevated levels of certain molecules at birth are associated with risk for autism spectrum disorder. This finding could lay the groundwork for a screening test.
Autism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.
‘A period of vulnerability during pregnancy can interfere with central nervous system development and cause autism in children.’
In earlier studies, the researchers linked ASD risk to prenatal exposure to maternal fever, and influenza infection, and herpesvirus type 2 infection—two of many potential triggers for maternal inflammation and ASD. The new study aligns with evidence that the risk of ASD is increased by fetal exposure to inflammation. In the study, researchers analyzed the presence of 60 molecular markers of the immune response, including cytokines and growth factors.
Blood samples were collected during pregnancy (maternal mid-gestational blood sample) and at birth (cord blood) from 957 children, roughly half of whom were later diagnosed with ASD.
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Toxic chemicals found in the environment in the air, water, soil and even in day to day stuff we use can cause irreversible brain damage in infants and children. Learn more about toxic exposures and how to protect your child.
Toxic chemicals found in the environment in the air, water, soil and even in day to day stuff we use can cause irreversible brain damage in infants and children. Learn more about toxic exposures and how to protect your child.
Among the most predictive molecules were interleukins like IL1RA and IL4. Four molecules thought to be involved in fetal brain development were also linked to ASD risk in both sexes: TNFα, Serpin E1, VCAM1, and IL1β.
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AI Algorithm Used to Find Causes of Autism Linked to Our �Junk� DNA
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), a team of researchers has shown that mutations in ‘junk’ DNA can cause autism. Junk DNA mutations affect the expression of genes in the brain including those genes directly responsible for neurodevelopment and neuron migration.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), a team of researchers has shown that mutations in ‘junk’ DNA can cause autism. Junk DNA mutations affect the expression of genes in the brain including those genes directly responsible for neurodevelopment and neuron migration.
They also found immune signatures in mid-pregnancy blood samples from mothers and umbilical cord blood from children later diagnosed with autism that correlate with responses to infection, and molecules important for the development of the brain and its blood supply.
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Rare Genetic Mutations Predict Intellectual Disability in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Novel computational model identifies the genes linked to autism that helps in predicting the level of intellectual disability in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Novel computational model identifies the genes linked to autism that helps in predicting the level of intellectual disability in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Source-Medindia
