Autism Studies and Related Medical Conditions, January 2009 - TACA

(tetrahydrobiopterin) were selected to participate in a double-blind, randomized,
placebo-controlled, crossover study. The children received a daily dose of 3 mg
tetrahydrobiopterin per kilogram during 6 months alternating with placebo.
Treatment-induced effects were assessed with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale
every third month. The results showed small nonsignificant changes in the total
scores of Childhood Autism Rating Scale after 3- and 6-month treatment. Post
hoc analysis looking at the 3 core symptoms of autism, that is, social interaction,
communication, and stereotyped behaviors, revealed a significant improvement
of the social interaction score after 6 months of active treatment. In addition, a
high positive correlation was found between response of the social interaction
score and IQ. The results indicate a possible effect of tetrahydrobiopterin
treatment.
Dolske, M. C., J. Spollen, et al. (1993). "A preliminary trial of ascorbic acid as
supplemental therapy for autism." Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 17(5):
765-74.
1. This study presents the results of a 30-week double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial exploring the effectiveness of ascorbic acid (8g/70kg/day) as a supplemental
pharmacological treatment for autistic children in residential treatment. 2.
Residential school children (N = 18) were randomly assigned to either ascorbateascorbate-placebo
treatment order group or ascorbate-placebo-ascorbate
treatment order group. Each treatment phase lasted 10 weeks and behaviors
were rated weekly using the Ritvo-Freeman scale. 3. Significant group by phase
interactions were found for total scores and also sensory motor scores indicating
a reduction in symptom severity associated with the ascorbic acid treatment. 4.
These results were consistent with a hypothesized dopaminergic mechanism of
action of ascorbic acid.
James, S. J., P. Cutler, et al. (2004). "Metabolic biomarkers of increased oxidative stress
and impaired methylation capacity in children with autism." Am J Clin Nutr 80(6): 1611-
7.
BACKGROUND: Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that usually
presents in early childhood and that is thought to be influenced by genetic and
environmental factors. Although abnormal metabolism of methionine and
homocysteine has been associated with other neurologic diseases, these
pathways have not been evaluated in persons with autism. OBJECTIVE: The
purpose of this study was to evaluate plasma concentrations of metabolites in
the methionine transmethylation and transsulfuration pathways in children
diagnosed with autism. DESIGN: Plasma concentrations of methionine, S-
adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), adenosine,
homocysteine, cystathionine, cysteine, and oxidized and reduced glutathione
were measured in 20 children with autism and in 33 control children. On the
basis of the abnormal metabolic profile, a targeted nutritional intervention trial
with folinic acid, betaine, and methylcobalamin was initiated in a subset of the
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