Autism Studies and Related Medical Conditions, January 2009 - TACA

observations is the opioid-excess theory of autism. The main premise of this theory is
that autism is the result of a metabolic disorder. Peptides with opioid activity derived
from dietary sources, in particular foods that contain gluten and casein, pass through
an abnormally permeable intestinal membrane and enter the central nervous system
(CNS) to exert an effect on neurotransmission, as well as producing other
physiologically-based symptoms. Numerous parents and professionals worldwide have
found that removal of these exogenously derived compounds through exclusion diets
can produce some amelioration in autistic and related behaviours. There is a
surprisingly long history of research accompanying these ideas. The aim of this paper is
to review the accompanying evidence in support of this theory and present new
directions of intervention as a result of it.
Vojdani A, Campbell AW, Anyanwu E, Kashanian A, Bock K, Vojdani E:
Antibodies to neuron-specific antigens in children with autism: possible cross-reaction
with encephalitogenic proteins from milk, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Streptococcus
group A. J Neuroimmunol 2002 Aug;129(1-2):168-77.
Abstract:
Section of Neuroimmunology, Immunosciences Laboratory, Inc., 8693 Wilshire
Boulevard, Suite 200, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA. immunsci@ix.netcom.com
We measured autoantibodies against nine different neuron-specific antigens and three
cross-reactive peptides in the sera of autistic subjects and healthy controls by means of
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. The antigens were myelin basic
protein (MBP), myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), ganglioside (GM1), sulfatide
(SULF), chondroitin sulfate (CONSO4), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG),
alpha,beta-crystallin (alpha,beta-CRYS), neurofilament proteins (NAFP), tubulin and
three cross-reactive peptides, Chlamydia pneumoniae (CPP), streptococcal M protein
(STM6P) and milk butyrophilin (BTN). Autistic children showed the highest levels of IgG,
IgM and IgA antibodies against all neurologic antigens as well as the three crossreactive
peptides. These antibodies are specific because immune absorption
demonstrated that only neuron-specific antigens or their cross-reactive epitopes could
significantly reduce antibody levels. These antibodies may have been synthesized as a
result of an alteration in the blood-brain barrier. This barrier promotes access of
preexisting T-cells and central nervous system antigens to immunocompetent cells,
which may start a vicious cycle. These results suggest a mechanism by which bacterial
infections and milk antigens may modulate autoimmune responses in autism.
Knivsberg AM, Reichelt KL, Hoien T, Nodland M: A randomised, controlled study
of dietary intervention in autistic syndromes. Nutr Neurosci 2002 Sep;5(4):251-61.
Center for Reading Research, Stavanger University College, Norway. annmari.knivsberg@slf.his.no
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