scholarly journals Paving Plant-Food-Derived Bioactives as Effective Therapeutic Agents in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Natália Cruz-Martins ◽  
Cristina Quispe ◽  
Celale Kırkın ◽  
Ezgi Şenol ◽  
Aslı Zuluğ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Real Potential ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Neuropsychological Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, where social and communication deficits and repetitive behaviors are present. Plant-derived bioactives have shown promising results in the treatment of autism. In this sense, this review is aimed at providing a careful view on the use of plant-derived bioactive molecules for the treatment of autism. Among the plethora of bioactives, curcumin, luteolin, and resveratrol have revealed excellent neuroprotective effects and can be effectively used in the treatment of neuropsychological disorders. However, the number of clinical trials is limited, and none of them have been approved for the treatment of autism or autism-related disorder. Further clinical studies are needed to effectively assess the real potential of such bioactive molecules.

scholarly journals Mealtime Behaviors and Food Preferences of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Hae Jin Park ◽  
Su Jin Choi ◽  
Yuri Kim ◽  
Mi Sook Cho ◽  
Yu-Ri Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Mealtime Behavior ◽  
High Level

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of social communication and restrictive, repetitive behaviors or interests. This study aimed to examine the mealtime behaviors and food preferences of students with ASD. An online questionnaire on mealtime behavior and food preferences of ASD students was conducted by caregivers including parents, and the average age of ASD students was 14.1 ± 6.1. The analysis of mealtime behavior resulted in classification into three clusters: cluster 1, the “low-level problematic mealtime behavior group”; cluster 2, the “mid-level problematic mealtime behavior group”; and cluster 3, the “high-level problematic mealtime behavior group”. Cluster 1 included older students than other clusters and their own specific dietary rituals. Meanwhile, cluster 3 included younger students than other clusters, high-level problematic mealtime behavior, and a low preference for food. In particular, there were significant differences in age and food preference for each subdivided ASD group according to their eating behaviors. Therefore, the content and method of nutrition education for ASD students’ needs a detailed approach according to the characteristics of each group.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Etiology among Parents of Children with ASD

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6774
Author(s):  
Wei-Ju Chen ◽  
Zihan Zhang ◽  
Haocen Wang ◽  
Tung-Sung Tseng ◽  
Ping Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Parental Perceptions ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Religious Factors

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Parental perceptions of the etiology of their child’s ASD can affect provider–client relationships, bonding between parents and their children, and the prognosis, treatment, and management of children with ASD. Thus, this study sought to examine the perceptions of ASD etiology of parents of children with ASD. Methods: Forty-two parents of children diagnosed with ASD were recruited across Texas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually. All interviews were recorded and later transcribed verbatim for content analysis utilizing NVivo 12.0 (QSR International, Doncaster, Australia). Results: The content analysis identified the following themes regarding parental perceptions of ASD etiology: Genetic factors (40.5%), environmental factors (31.0%), problems that occurred during pregnancy or delivery (23.8%), vaccinations (16.7%), other health problems (7.1%), parental age at the time of pregnancy (4.8%), and spiritual or religious factors (2.4%). Conclusions: The parental perceptions of ASD etiology were diverse, but several views, such as vaccinations and spiritual or religious factors, were not based on scientific evidence. Health professionals and researchers can use these findings to develop and provide targeted education to parents who have children with ASD. Our findings also support policymakers in developing campaigns designed to increase parental ASD awareness and knowledge.

scholarly journals The neonatal levels of TSB, NSE and CK-BB in autism spectrum disorder from Southern China

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-na Lv ◽  
Hong Zhang ◽  
Yi Shu ◽  
Shan Chen ◽  
Yuan-yuan Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Group Identification ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Control Group

AbstractBackground" Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child’s ability to communicate with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. Symptoms manifest before the age of 3. In the previous studies, we found structural abnormalities of the temporal lobe cortex. High spine densities were most commonly found in ASD subjects with lower levels of cognitive functioning. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed medical records in relation to the neonatal levels of total serum bilirubin (TSB), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), creatine kinase brain band isoenzyme (CK-BB), and neonatal behavior in ASD patients from Southern China. Methods: A total of 80 patients with ASD (ASD group) were screened for this retrospective study. Among them, 34 were low-functioning ASD (L-ASD group) and 46 were high-functioning ASD (H-ASD group). Identification of the ASD cases was confirmed with a Revised Autism Diagnostic Inventory. For comparison with ASD cases, 80 normal neonates (control group) were selected from the same period. Biochemical parameters, including TSB, NSE and CK-BB in the neonatal period and medical records on neonatal behavior were collected. Results: The levels of serum TSB, NSE and CK-BB in the ASD group were significantly higher when compared with those from the control group (P < 0.01, or P < 0.05). The amounts of serum TSB, NSE and CK-BB in the L-ASD group were significantly higher when compared with those in the H-ASD group (P < 0.01, or P < 0.05). The Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) scores in the ASD group were significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Likewise, the NBAS scores in the L-ASD group were significantly lower than that in the H-ASD group (P < 0.05). There was no association between serum TSB, NSE, CK-BB and NBAS scores (P > 0.05) in the ASD group. Conclusions: The neonatal levels of TSB, NSE and CK-BB in ASD from Southern China were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. These findings need to be investigated thoroughly by future studies with large sample.

scholarly journals CBD-enriched cannabis for autism spectrum disorder: an experience of a single center in Turkey and reviews of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serap Bilge ◽  
Barış Ekici
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, restricted interest, and repetitive behaviors. Although more cases are being diagnosed, no drugs are approved to treat the core symptoms or cognitive and behavioral problems associated with autism. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and safe treatment. Objective In this study, we aim to share our 2-year experience with CBD-enriched cannabis treatment in autism and review the latest studies. Materials and methods The study included 33 (27 males, six females) children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who were followed up between January 2018 and August 2020. The mean age was 7.7 ± 5.5 years. The average daily dosage of cannabidiol (CBD) was 0.7 mg/kg/day (0.3–2 mg/kg/day). The median duration of treatment was 6.5 months (3–28 months). The preparations used in this study contained full-spectrum CBD and trace elements tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of less than 3%. Results The outcomes were evaluated before and after treatment based on clinical interviews. At each follow-up visit, parents were asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the CBD-enriched cannabis treatment. According to the parents’ reports, no change in daily life activity was reported in 6 (19.35%) patients. The main improvements of the treatment were as follows: a decrease in behavioral problems was reported in 10 patients (32.2%), an increase in expressive language was reported in 7 patients (22.5%), improved cognition was reported in 4 patients (12,9%), an increase in social interaction was reported in 3 patients (9.6%), and a decrease in stereotypes was reported in 1 patient (3.2%). The parents reported improvement in cognition among patients who adhered to CBD-enriched cannabis treatment for over two years. The antipsychotic drug could be stopped only in one patient who showed mild ASD symptoms. No change could be made in other drug use and doses. Additionally, this study includes an extensive review of the literature regarding CBD treatment in autism spectrum disorder. According to recent studies, the average dose of CBD was 3.8±2.6 mg/kg/day. The ratio of CBD to THC in the used preparations was 20:1. The most significant improvements were seen in the behavioral problems reported in 20–70% of the patients. Conclusion Using lower doses of CBD and trace THC seems to be promising in managing behavioral problems associated with autism. In addition, this treatment could be effective in managing the core symptoms and cognitive functions. No significant side effects were seen at the low doses of CBD-enriched cannabis when compared to other studies.

scholarly journals Role of Oligodendrocytes and Myelin in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 951
Author(s):  
Alma Y. Galvez-Contreras ◽  
David Zarate-Lopez ◽  
Ana L. Torres-Chavez ◽  
Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Abnormal Development ◽  
Matter Production

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an early neurodevelopmental disorder that involves deficits in interpersonal communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Although ASD pathophysiology is still uncertain, alterations in the abnormal development of the frontal lobe, limbic areas, and putamen generate an imbalance between inhibition and excitation of neuronal activity. Interestingly, recent findings suggest that a disruption in neuronal connectivity is associated with neural alterations in white matter production and myelination in diverse brain regions of patients with ASD. This review is aimed to summarize the most recent evidence that supports the notion that abnormalities in the oligodendrocyte generation and axonal myelination in specific brain regions are involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. Fundamental molecular mediators of these pathological processes are also examined. Determining the role of alterations in oligodendrogenesis and myelination is a fundamental step to understand the pathophysiology of ASD and identify possible therapeutic targets.

scholarly journals MicroRNA profiling in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakata ◽  
Ryo Kimura ◽  
Yasuko Funabiki ◽  
Tomonari Awaya ◽  
Toshiya Murai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mirna Expression ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Functioning

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Owing to the difficulty of clinical diagnosis, ASD without intellectual disability (i.e., high-functioning ASD) is often overlooked. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently recognized as potential biomarkers of ASD as they are dysregulated in various tissues of individuals with ASD. However, it remains unclear whether miRNA expression is altered in individuals with high-functioning ASD. Here, we investigated the miRNA expression profile in peripheral blood from adults with high-functioning ASD, and age and gender-matched healthy controls. We identified miR-6126 as being robustly down-regulated in ASD and correlated with the severity of social deficits. Enrichment analysis of predicted target genes revealed potential association with neurons, synapses, and oxytocin signaling pathways. Our findings may provide insights regarding the molecular clues for recognizing high-functioning ASD.

Co-occurrence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 332-351
Author(s):  
Saashi A. Bedford ◽  
Michelle Hunsche ◽  
Connor M. Kerns
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Communication Deficits

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and, similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), restricted and repetitive behaviors. The restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests that are characteristic of ASD often resemble the obsessions and compulsions of OCD, which can make it difficult to distinguish or differentiate the two conditions. A common challenge in diagnosing comorbid ASD and OCD is the apparent overlap in symptoms between the two disorders. This chapter discusses the differentiation between OCD and ASD, the assessment and diagnosis of OCD within the context of ASD, and the treatment of this presentation of OCD.

scholarly journals Functional connectivity-based subtypes of individuals with and without autism spectrum disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 344-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda K. Easson ◽  
Zainab Fatima ◽  
Anthony R. McIntosh
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Responsiveness ◽  
Multivariate Statistical ◽  
Subtype A ◽  
Brain Behavior

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Neuroimaging studies have shown complex patterns and functional connectivity (FC) in ASD, with no clear consensus on brain-behavior relationships or shared patterns of FC with typically developing controls. Here, we used a dimensional approach to characterize two distinct clusters of FC patterns across both ASD participants and controls using k-means clustering. Using multivariate statistical analyses, a categorical approach was taken to characterize differences in FC between subtypes and between diagnostic groups. One subtype was defined by increased FC within resting-state networks and decreased FC across networks compared with the other subtype. A separate FC pattern distinguished ASD from controls, particularly within default mode, cingulo-opercular, sensorimotor, and occipital networks. There was no significant interaction between subtypes and diagnostic groups. Finally, a dimensional analysis of FC patterns with behavioral measures of IQ, social responsiveness, and ASD severity showed unique brain-behavior relations in each subtype and a continuum of brain-behavior relations from ASD to controls within one subtype. These results demonstrate that distinct clusters of FC patterns exist across ASD and controls, and that FC subtypes can reveal unique information about brain-behavior relationships.

scholarly journals The Parvalbumin Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Filice ◽  
Lucia Janickova ◽  
Thomas Henzi ◽  
Alessandro Bilella ◽  
Beat Schwaller
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Supporting Evidence

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—a type of neurodevelopmental disorder—is increasing and is around 2% in North America, Asia, and Europe. Besides the known genetic link, environmental, epigenetic, and metabolic factors have been implicated in ASD etiology. Although highly heterogeneous at the behavioral level, ASD comprises a set of core symptoms including impaired communication and social interaction skills as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. This has led to the suggestion that a large part of the ASD phenotype is caused by changes in a few and common set of signaling pathways, the identification of which is a fundamental aim of autism research. Using advanced bioinformatics tools and the abundantly available genetic data, it is possible to classify the large number of ASD-associated genes according to cellular function and pathways. Cellular processes known to be impaired in ASD include gene regulation, synaptic transmission affecting the excitation/inhibition balance, neuronal Ca2+ signaling, development of short-/long-range connectivity (circuits and networks), and mitochondrial function. Such alterations often occur during early postnatal neurodevelopment. Among the neurons most affected in ASD as well as in schizophrenia are those expressing the Ca2+-binding protein parvalbumin (PV). These mainly inhibitory interneurons present in many different brain regions in humans and rodents are characterized by rapid, non-adaptive firing and have a high energy requirement. PV expression is often reduced at both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in human ASD brain samples and mouse ASD (and schizophrenia) models. Although the human PVALB gene is not a high-ranking susceptibility/risk gene for either disorder and is currently only listed in the SFARI Gene Archive, we propose and present supporting evidence for the Parvalbumin Hypothesis, which posits that decreased PV level is causally related to the etiology of ASD (and possibly schizophrenia).

scholarly journals Providing Inpatient Medical Care to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 918-924
Author(s):  
Robyn P. Thom ◽  
Melissa M. Hazen ◽  
Christopher J. McDougle ◽  
Eric P. Hazen
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Improvement Interventions ◽  
Communication Ability ◽  
Quality Improvement Interventions

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting an estimated 1 in 40 children. Children with ASD have high rates of medical comorbidity and often experience high levels of distress during medical admissions, increasing the risk of agitation. Pediatric hospitalists receive minimal formal training on the inpatient care of children with ASD. In this article, we review strategies that pediatric hospitalists can use to optimize the care of children with ASD during inpatient admissions. These include gathering an ASD-related history early in the admission to understand the child’s baseline core ASD symptoms, including social and communication ability, sensory needs, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. This information can be used to tailor the hospitalist’s approach in each of these 3 domains. We conclude by reviewing procedure-related considerations, an approach to managing agitation, and quality improvement interventions.

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