Autism Studies and Related Medical Conditions, January 2009 - TACA

Chauhan, V., A. Chauhan, et al. (2004). "Alteration in amino-glycerophospholipids levels
in the plasma of children with autism: a potential biochemical diagnostic marker." Life
Sci 74(13): 1635-43.
Currently, there is no biochemical test to assist in the behavioral diagnosis of
autism. We observed that levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were
decreased while phosphatidylserine (PS) were increased in the erythrocyte
membranes of children with autism as compared to their non-autistic
developmentally normal siblings. A new method using Trinitrobenezene sulfonic
acid (TNBS) for the quantification of PE and PS (amino-glycerophospholipids, i.e.,
AGP) in the plasma of children was developed and standardized. Wavelength
scans of TNBS-PE and TNBS-PS complexes gave two peaks at 320 nm and 410
nm. When varying concentrations of PS and PE were used, a linear regression
line was observed at 410 nm with TNBS. Using this assay, the levels of AGP were
found to be significantly increased in the plasma of children with autism as
compared to their non-autistic normal siblings. It is proposed that plasma AGP
levels may function as a potential diagnostic marker for autism.
Chez, M. G., C. P. Buchanan, et al. (2002). "Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of L-
carnosine supplementation in children with autistic spectrum disorders." J Child Neurol
17(11): 833-7.
L-Carnosine, a dipeptide, can enhance frontal lobe function or be
neuroprotective. It can also correlate with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-
homocarnosine interaction, with possible anticonvulsive effects. We investigated
31 children with autistic spectrum disorders in an 8-week, double-blinded study
to determine if 800 mg L-carnosine daily would result in observable changes
versus placebo. Outcome measures were the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, the
Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, the Expressive and Receptive One-Word Picture
Vocabulary tests, and Clinical Global Impressions of Change. Children on placebo
did not show statistically significant changes. After 8 weeks on L-carnosine,
children showed statistically significant improvements on the Gilliam Autism
Rating Scale (total score and the Behavior, Socialization, and Communication
subscales) and the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary test (all P < .05).
Improved trends were noted on other outcome measures. Although the
mechanism of action of L-carnosine is not well understood, it may enhance
neurologic function, perhaps in the enterorhinal or temporal cortex.
Corbett, B. A., S. Mendoza, et al. (2006). "Cortisol circadian rhythms and response to
stress in children with autism." Psychoneuroendocrinology 31(1): 59-68.
BACKGROUND: Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by
impairment in communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviors and
difficulty adapting to novel experiences. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-
Adrenocortical (HPA) system responds consistently to perceived novel or
unfamiliar situations and can serve as an important biomarker of the response to
a variety of different stimuli. Previous research has suggested that children with
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