Association of learning and memory calcineurin binding protein with autism spectrum disorders

Objective: To determine the association of learning and memory calcineurin binding [CABIN1] protein with autism spectrum disorders

Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study

Place and Duration of Study: The Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2013 to May 2014

Methodology: Serum levels of CABIN1 protein in 62 [64%] autistic male children were analysed and 35 [36%] age healthy children measured by using ELISA. The diagnosis of autism was made, based on the criteria of autism as defined in the DSM-IV. CARS [childhood autism rating scale] was used for the assessment of autistic severity. Data was analysed on SPSS version 21. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for comparisons of CABIN1 protein levels between the autistic and control groups at a p-value of <0.05. Spearman's correlation coefficient [r] was used to determine the relationships between different variables

Results: There was no significant difference between the levels of CABIN1 between the 1.12 [0.01-8.8] pg/ml and healthy [1.51, 0.12-4.32] pg/ml in children. However, children with mild to moderate autism had higher CABIN1 protein level [1.27 pg/ml, 0.01-10.240] than children with severe autism [0.80 pg/ml, 0.01-4.25, p=0.145]. In addition, there was no significant relationships among the serum level of CABIN1 protein, the CARS score, and age

Conclusion: CABIN1 protein level for children with autism was not significantly different from controls subjects as well as between children with mild to moderate and severe autism

Behavioral benefits of camel milk in subjects with autism spectrum disorder

Objective: To investigate the possible therapeutic effects of camel milk on behavioral characteristics as an interventional strategy in autistic children

Study Design: Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial [RCT]

Place and Duration of Study: Autism Research and Treatment Center, Al-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2012 to May 2013

Methodology: Changes in behavioral characteristics in 65 [boys=60, girls=5] children with autism [aged from 2 to 12 years] were assessed. The behavioral symptoms were evaluated by Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS], Social Responsiveness Scale [SRS], and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist [ATEC] before and after the 2 weeks of camel milk therapy

Results: Significant differences were detected on Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD] by CARS, SRS and ATEC scales, following 2 weeks of camel milk consumption, but not in the placebo group

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that camel milk could be very promising therapeutic intervention in ASD. Further wide scale studies are strongly recommended

Correlation between Hedgehog [Hh] protein family and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor [BDNF] in Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]

Objective: To determine the correlation of Sonic Hedgehog [SHH], Indian Hedgehog [IHH], and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor [BDNF] in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]

Study Design: An observational, comparative study

Place and Duration of Study: Autism Research and Treatment Center, Al-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2011 to May 2012

Methodology: Serum levels of SHH, IHH and BDNF were determined in recently diagnosed autistic patients and agematched healthy children [n=25], using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA]. Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS] was used for the assessment of autistic severity. Spearman correlation co-efficient 'r' was determined

Results: The serum levels of IHH and SHH were significantly higher in autistic subjects than those of control subjects. There was significant correlation between age and IHH [r = 0.176, p = 0.03], BDNF and severe IHH [r = 0.1763, p = 0.003], and severe BDNF and severe SHH [r = 0.143, p < 0.001]. However, there were no significant relationships among the serum levels of SHH, IHH and BDNF and the CARS score, age or gender

Conclusion: The findings support a correlation between SHH, IHH and BDNF in autistic children, suggesting their pathological role in autism

Therapeutic use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder [ASD] is neurodevelopment disorder, characterized by impairment in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. The condition manifests within the first 3 years of life and persists till adulthood. At present, the etiology of ASD is largely unknown, but genetic, environmental, immunological, and neurological factors are thought to play a role in the development of ASD. The prevalence of ASD has increased dramatically in the past few decades. According to current estimates from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] as many as 1 in 91 children have ASD in USA. Studies from the Middle East on this topic are limited. Autism in Saudi Arabia is slightly higher than reported in the developed countries. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy [HBOT] has been growing in popularity for the treatment of ASD over recent years. However, few studies of its effectiveness have been reported. This article reviews important publications regarding the physiologic and clinical influence of HBO on ASD. Several case series and randomized trials have all proposed that low pressure/ low oxygen concentration hyperbaric treatment can improve the clinical manifestations of autism

Increased oxygen free radical production from isolated human pmnls and whole blood by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence in autistic children

To investigate the estimated capacity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes [PMNLs] and whole blood to produce reactive oxygen species [ROS] in children with autism and mental retardation, and compare it with normal children. Cohort study conducted between January and April 2007. Chemiluminescence laboratory [CL], Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Forty autistic and eight mentally retarded children. Oxygen free radical production [O[2]-, H[2]O[2], OH-] was detected by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence, from isolated PMNLs and whole blood, stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate [PMA] and opsinized zymazan [OPZ]. Oxygen free radical production from whole blood and PMNLs. Forty autistic [35 male and fivefemale],andeightmentally retarded children [study group] were compared with forty six normal Saudi children [control group]. The mean age was 7.4 +/- 0.5 years. The CL peak response of whole blood and PMNLs stimulated with PMA and OPZ, in autistic children was significantlyhigher [p < 0.05]compared to control children. However, the CL peak response in children with mental retardation did not show any significantdifferenceswhencomparedtothecontrolgroup. There is an increase in oxygen free radicals production from whole blood and from PMNLs in autistic children. Therefore, an increase the antioxidant consumption in autistic children is strongly recommended

effect of vitamine E, L-arginine, N-nitro L-arginine methyle ester and forskolin on endocrine and metabolic changes of rats exposed to acute cold stress

It is a well documented fact that under stress conditions the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis [HPA] and the sympathetic nervous system [SNS] are stimulated. This results in a series of neural and endocrine adaptations known as the stress response. The current study assessed the effects of acute cold stress on adrenomedullin [ADM] levels in plasma and peripheral tissues [kidneys and heart] of rats, as well as on blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides [TG], total proteins both before and after intraperitoneal administration of each of the following: vitamin-E, L-arginine, forskolin and L-NAME. Methods:The current study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, between September 2003 and March 2004. We observed 6 groups of Wistar rats for their plasma ADM, tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA], total protein, glucose and cholesterol levels. Following exposure to cold stress [-10 degree celcius for 3 hours].Results:Acute cold stress produced a significant increase in ADM levels in plasma, heart and kidney tissues of rats. Furthermore, acute cold stress produced a reduction in cholesterol and plasma protein levels. On the other hand, acute cold stress caused an increase in TG, glucose plasma levels and tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA]. We found hormonal and metabolic changes caused by cold exposure to be decreased or even prevented after vitamin E treatment or after changing nitric oxide [NO] level by L-arginine or L-NAME treatment.Conclusion:The results suggest a regulatory or protective role for ADM in counteracting HPA activation following a variety of physiological and psychological stressors. Oxidative stress or changes in intracellular signals as NO, cyclic-AMP may play a role in explaining some of the metabolic and hormonal changes occurring during acute cold stress

Gluten sensitivity in autistic chidren in Central Saudi Arabia

To examine gluten sensitivity through the measurement of anti-gliadin antibody [IgA and IgG], anti-endomysial antibody [endo-IgA], anti-reticulin antibody [IgG] and anti-transglutamase antibody [IgG] levels in blood samples of autistic in the Riyadh area. The study took place in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh between September 2003 and April 2004. Thirty-three autistic children, from the Riyadh area participated in the study, all with confirmed diagnosis according to E-2 diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders. Anti-gliadin antibody [IgA and IgG], anti-endomysial antibody [endo-IgA], anti-reticulin antibody [IgG] and anti-transglutamase antibody [IgG], were measured by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Thirty-three autistic children with confirmed diagnosis [30 males and 3 females] participated in the study. A significant percentage of autistic children complained of constipation as compared to control. None of the autistic examined were positive for any of the antibodies tested, including anti-gliadin antibody [IgA and IgG], anti-endomysial antibody [endo-IgA], anti-reticulin antibody [IgG] and anti-transglutamase antibody [IgG]. The same results were reached with the control group. The present study demonstrated that gluten sensitivity is not a major cause in those autistic children examined

Autoimmune connection of autism in Central Saudi Arabia

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with unknown etiology. The etiology of autism is complex, and the underlying pathologic mechanisms are unknown. This study tests the autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis for autism in autistic children in the Riyadh area. The study took place in the Riyadh area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between September 2003 and April 2004. Sixty-five autistic children, with a confirmed diagnosis according to E-2 diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders, participated in the study. Serological examination of antibodies to measles, mumps, rubella [MMR], and myelin basic protein [MBP] was carried out in autistic and control children. The level of MBP antibodies was significantly higher in autistic children as compared to controls [p<0.01]. Furthermore, the level of antibodies to measles but not mumps or rubella was significantly higher in autistics compared to the control group [p<0.05]. Moreover, 82% of autistic sera positive for measles IgG was also positive for MBP. The current study supports the hypothesis that autoimmunity plays a role in the pathogenesis of autism. However, results from the current study are not enough to support that immunization by MMR is playing a role in the autoimmune process in autistism

Pro-inflammatory cytokines in autistic children in central Saudi Arabia

Abnormal inflammatory immune response might contribute to autism. Pro-inflammatory cytokines could induce some of the symptoms and signs of autism. Such as, social withdrawal eating and sleep disturbance. The aim of the current study was to examine whether autism spectrum disorders in Riyadh area are accompanied by activation of the pro-inflammatory response system. The study was conducted in the Riyadh area between September 2003 and April 2004. Seventy-seven autistic child from the Riyadh area participated in the study, with confirmed diagnosis according to E-2 diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders. The parents/guardians filled a simple related questionnaire, then serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a [TNF-a], interleukin-1 [IL-1] and interleukin-6 [IL-6] were measured in 65 autistic, 8 attention deficit disorder, 2 children with Rett's syndrome and 2 children with Asperger syndrome. The results were compared to age, and sex matched control children. This study showed a significantly increased production of TNF-a, IL-1 and IL-6 from the sera of autistic, attention deficit disorder, Rett's syndrome and Asperger syndrome children. There was no correlation between TNF-a, IL-1 or IL-6 and the degree of autism or the age of the affected child. Significant higher incidence of social withdrawal, sleeping and eating disorders were found among autism spectrum disorders compared to control. These results suggest that autism may be accompanied by an activation of the macrophages. It is hypothesized that increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines could play a role in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders, such as social withdrawal, eating and sleeping disorders

Neurohormonal changes in medical students during academic srtess

Academic stress is a good model of psychological stress in humans and is thus useful for studying psychoneurohormonal changes. The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of academic examination stress on activation of the hypothalamus-autonomic nervous system [HANS] and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical [HPA] axis, through the measurements of changes in neuro-hormones during final exams as compared to the pre-exam baseline. Forty-eight first- and second-year female medical students participated. Plasma leptin, neuropeptide Y [NPY], nitrite, nitrate, andrenomedullin, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] were measured at baseline and during final examinations. Plasma levels of cortisol, ACTH, NPY, adrenomedullin, nitrite and nitrate increased during times of academic stress as compared to baseline levels. However, only plasma leptin level was decreased during the academic stress as compared to baseline, probably through a negative feedback mechanism resulting from sympathetic stimulation. The results indicate that both the HANS and HPA are involved in this type of stress and both are activated at the same time. Academic stress induced significant neurohormonal changes. Leptin, NPY, nitrite, nitrate, adrenomedullin, cortisol and ACTH can be considered part of a complex mosaic model of the neuroendocrine system during academic stress

Sex hormones, personality characters and professional status among Saudi females

The relationship between male and female sex hormones [testosterone, estradiol and progesterone], personality characters and professional status was studied. The study was conducted in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between September 2003 and May 2003. The participants completed a questionnaire consisting of personal information regarding age, profession, educational level and medical history. Then the participant went through an adjective checklist. Hormones were determined from blood samples provided by the participant. The result indicated that the higher the professional levels, the higher was the testosterone concentrations, but not estradiol or estrogen concentration. Furthermore, females with higher testosterone concentration [university lecturers, bank managers, bank employee, medical doctors and technical workers] identify themselves as independent, strong, assertive, impulsive, resourceful, spontaneous, uninhibited, rational, patient and arguing. Whereas, females with lower testosterone concentrations [housewives and clerical workers] view themselves as civilized, socialized, calm, quite, sentimental, shy, nice, sensitive, warmhearted, sympathetic, thoughtful, warm, practical and kind. The current study emphasizes the positive relationship between strong personality characters, high professional status and male sex hormone level [testosterone] in females

Oxidative stress and neurodegenerative disease

Several disease conditions are believed to be related to oxygen free radical formation including a number of neurodegenerative disorders. Therapy using free radical scavengers [antioxidants] has been used to prevent, delay or modify the progress of many neurological disorders. The optimum antioxidant therapeutic options have to be tailored and modified individually. This is because the biochemistry of oxidative pathophysiology is still a complex matter. In this review the role of oxidative stress and the potential therapeutic effect of some antioxidants is discussed in a number of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis