Summary: A recent study suggests that measuring specific fatty acid metabolites in newborn blood could predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Researchers found that higher levels of certain metabolites were linked to increased ASD symptoms in children at six years old.
This discovery could lead to early diagnostics and interventions, potentially improving outcomes for children with ASD. The study emphasizes the importance of prenatal factors in ASD development.
Key Facts:
- Higher levels of diHETrE in newborn blood are linked to increased ASD symptoms.
- The study involved analyzing umbilical cord blood from 200 children.
- Early detection of ASD through blood tests could enhance intervention strategies.
Source: University of Fukui
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects learning capability and social behavior of people. Over the past few decades, awareness regarding ASD has increased, especially regarding its prevalence and effect on the lives of people diagnosed with ASD. However, several aspects related to ASD are not well understood, leaving much to be explored.
Although the exact causes of ASD are unclear, currently available evidence points to neuroinflammation as a major factor. Several studies in mouse models of ASD have hinted at the importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their metabolites during pregnancy in playing a key role in ASD development.
PUFA metabolites regulated by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) affect fetal development in mice causing impairments closely linked to ASD symptoms. However, it is still unclear if the same is true for humans and needs further investigation.
To address this knowledge gap, a research team from Japan consisting of Professor Hideo Matsuzaki from the Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Dr. Takaharu Hirai at the Department of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Fukui and Dr. Naoko Umeda from the Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Fukui, analyzed the CYP-PUFA levels in neonatal umbilical cord blood samples.
Their study, published on July 23, 2024 in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, sheds light on the possible causes of ASD.
Sharing the motivation behind their study, Prof. Matsuzaki explains, “CYP metabolism forms both epoxy fatty acids (EpFAs), which have anti-inflammatory effects, and dihydroxy fatty acids, or ‘diols,’ which have inflammatory properties.
“We hypothesized that the dynamics of CYP-PUFA metabolites during the fetal period, that is, lower EpFA levels, higher diol levels, and/or increased EpFA metabolic enzymes would influence ASD symptoms and difficulties with daily functioning in children after birth.”
To test this hypothesis, the researchers investigated the link between PUFA metabolites in umbilical cord blood and ASD scores in 200 children. The cord blood samples had been collected immediately after birth and preserved appropriately, whereas ASD symptoms and adaptive functioning were assessed when the same children were six years old, with the help of their mothers.
After careful statistical analyses of the results, the researchers identified one compound in cord blood that may have strong implications for ASD severity, namely 11,12- dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (diHETrE), a dihydroxy fatty acid derived from arachidonic acid.
“The levels of diHETrE, an arachidonic acid-derived diol, in cord blood at birth significantly impacted subsequent ASD symptoms in children and were also associated with impaired adaptive functioning. These findings suggest that the dynamics of diHETrE during the fetal period is important in the developmental trajectory of children after birth,” highlights Prof. Matsuzaki.
More specifically, the researchers found that higher levels of the molecule 11,12-diHETrE had an impact on social interactions, whereas low levels of 8,9-diHETrE impacted repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Moreover, this correlation was more specific for girls than for boys.
This newfound knowledge could be crucial in understanding, diagnosing, and potentially preventing ASD. By measuring diHETrE levels at birth, it may be possible to predict the likelihood of ASD development in children.
“The effectiveness of early intervention for children with ASD is well established and detecting it at birth could enhance intervention and support for children with ASD,” muses Prof. Matsuzaki.
He also adds that inhibiting diHETrE metabolism during pregnancy might be a promising avenue for preventing ASD traits in children, although more research will be needed in this regard.
In conclusion, these findings open a promising avenue for researchers unraveling the mysteries surrounding ASD. We hope that enhanced understanding and early diagnostics will be able to improve the lives of people with ASD and their families.
About this autism research news
Author: NAOKI TSUKAMOTO
Source: University of Fukui
Contact: NAOKI TSUKAMOTO – University of Fukui
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Arachidonic acid-derived dihydroxy fatty acids in neonatal cord blood relate symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and social adaptive functioning: Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children (HBC Study)” by Hideo Matsuzaki et al. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
Abstract
Arachidonic acid-derived dihydroxy fatty acids in neonatal cord blood relate symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and social adaptive functioning: Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children (HBC Study)
Aim
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, such as a high total ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). PUFAs are metabolized to epoxy fatty acids by cytochrome P450 (CYP); then, dihydroxy fatty acid is produced by soluble epoxide hydrolase. This study examined the association between PUFA metabolites in the cord blood and ASD symptoms and adaptive functioning in children.
Methods
This prospective cohort study utilized cord blood to quantify PUFA metabolites of the CYP pathway. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Vineland Adaptive Behaviors Scales, Second Edition (VABS-II) were used to assess subsequent ASD symptoms and adaptive functioning in children at 6 years. The analysis included 200 children and their mothers.
Results
Arachidonic acid-derived diols, 11,12-diHETrE was found to impact ASD symptom severity on the ADOS-2-calibrated severity scores and impairment in the socialization domain as assessed by the VABS-II (P = 0.0003; P = 0.004, respectively). High levels of 11,12-diHETrE impact social affect in ASD symptoms (P = 0.002), while low levels of 8,9-diHETrE impact repetitive/restrictive behavior (P = 0.003). Notably, there was specificity in the association between diHETrE and ASD symptoms, especially in girls.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that the dynamics of diHETrE during the fetal period is important in the developmental trajectory of children after birth. Given that the role of diol metabolites in neurodevelopment in vivo is completely uncharacterized, the results of this study provide important insight into the role of diHETrE and ASD pathophysiology.
