Scientists are beginning to understand how some gene defects and metabolic problems can lead to autism symptoms.
Metabolic problems are defects in specific proteins or enzymes that make energy from food in the body. The author describes how these defects may cause brain problems in two ways. One way of causing problems is by changing specific steps of normal functions as the brain does its job every moment of every day. The second way of causing problems is by changing brain development, causing lifelong changes in how the brain works. The first type of problem may be quickly fixed with a metabolic therapy such as diet or vitamin therapy. The second type of problem may be difficult to correct if the stage of development has already passed and the brain is mature.
Autism Therapy: gene
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- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, by Johnston, MV, published in 2000, summarized Oct 21, 2009
- Medical Hypotheses, by Megson, MN, published in 2000, summarized Oct 1, 2009
Vitamin A therapy may be helpful for some people with autism.
The author describes her idea that vitamin A may be helpful for people who are missing a certain gene and have a syndrome known as G-alpha protein defect. This article describes two cases of children (a 10 year old and an infant) whose autism symptoms were improved when they were treated with vitamin A (from cod liver oil). The author believes that both children had G-alpha protein defects. G-alpha protein defect can also cause night blindness, and thyroid and pituitary gland problems.
- Harvard Mental Health Letter, by Letter, published in 2009, summarized Sep 22, 2009
Research on known genetic brain disorders may lead to better autism therapies in the future.
Researchers continue to learn about how to treat genetic brain disorders. Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, and Fragile X syndrome are examples of genetic brain disorders. For these disorders, there is a gene in the DNA that researchers know is related to some brain problems. Scientists have been able to treat these disorders in animal studies. They have used gene therapy and drug therapy to correct problems of defective genes. They hope that some day the information might be helpful for treating many brain disorders including autism.
Therapies that boost metabolism may help children with autism.
This study was designed to see if children with autism have problems with one of their energy pathways (transsulfuration pathway). The authors found that children with autism had markers in their blood that would be found if the children had a problem in their transsulfuration pathway. The authors are concerned that a weak transsulfuration pathway may cause problems with cell function and the turning on of genes. The result would be children who are easily sick and may have a worse response to environmental chemicals than other children. The lab test that the authors used can be obtained from Vitamin Diagnostics.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University identified a gene mutation (MET) that they say more than doubles the risk of developing autism. They caution that while diagnosing one gene mutation is not a sufficient diagnostic tool; they reiterate studies that have shown that if there is early diagnosis, then the outcome can be improved through behavoiral therapy.
Single Gene Mutation Doubles Risk For Autism
Oct 16, 2006A Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development study reports that a single gene mutation doubles a child's susceptibility to autism. There are multiple theories on why seemingly normal children seem to lose abilities they possessed and withdraw. This research suggests that the MET gene, with other vulnerable genes, and environment, may precipitate the onset of autism. Many parents have reported that their children suffered from gastrointestinal and immune disorders; it is not clear whether this is linked with autism. However, investigation into the MET gene may provide some light. The MET gene and MET receptor are important for brain growth, brain maturation, immune function and digestive repair. Read more .
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