ABSTRACT
The article narrates a brief history about the first possible descriptions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) until the publication of Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger, then reports the evolution of its definition and concept, contextualizing its first inclusion in the ICD (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health related problems) and DMS (Diagnostic and statistical Manual of mental disorders) up to its latest versions. It discusses the clinical picture characterized by heterogeneous manifestation and associated comorbidities. This article also presents the weight of the contribution of genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of the disorder, the diagnosis based on clinical observation and absence of biomarkers, discussions th and efficacy and limitation of pharmacological treatment and pedagogical approaches, similarly exposes a possible research strand for ASD, developed from the production of biobanks as a source of investigation of symptoms, genetic alterations, physiological dysfunctions with the objective of identifying subgroups of individuals with ASD and thus enable the targeting of individualized and more effective interventions.
ABSTRACT
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by conditions involving areas of social interaction, communication and behavior, as well as sensory sensitivity. Studies have reported an association of ASD with al terations in protein and amino acid metabolism. The aim of this study was to identify the profile of proteins and amino acids in the urine of children with ASD. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study with case-control design. The cases were male children (n=22) with ASD, aged 3 to 10 years, and the control group was formed by neuro-typical children (n=22), matched for sex and age. The determination of the amount and composition of proteins was performed by the Bradford method and the determination of the amount and composition of amino acids by ultra-efficient liquid chromatography (CLUE). Results: Alterations in protein and amino acid concentrations of arginine, glycine, leucine, threonine, aspartic acid, alanine, histidine, and tyrosine were identified in the urine of children with ASD. The abnormal levels of proteins and amino acids may be related to several symptoms observed in people with ASD. Conclusion: The concentration of total protein and amino acid profile in urine are good candidates as biomarkers for individuals with ASD.
ABSTRACT
The etyology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is unknown, involves a complex interaction between multiple and varied susceptible genes, epygenetic and environmental factors. The diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation First-line therapies are psychosocial treatments and educational interventions. On average 30% of people and with ASD consumes some drug or supplement. The options and effectiveness of the treatments are limited and therefore several lines of alternative treatment have emerged. The use of dietary restriction to reduce behavioral symptoms is widespread, with the most popular being the "theory of excess opioid peptides which postulates that the consumption of gluten and casein contributes to the worsening of symptoms and a diet free of these proteins improves the clinical picture. Despite many data presented in the literature, there are still doubts about the mechanisms involved as well as about dietary efficacy For all of the above, the topical review will address the opioid system, opioid peptides derived from gluten and casein, changes in the digestive tract of individuals with ASD, history of the onset of the theory, physiological mechanisms involved, brief description of the scientific literature, on the subject and the perspectives as a therapeutic instrument.
