Autism Studies and Related Medical Conditions, January 2009 - TACA

symptoms and comorbidities observed in autism including: cognitive impairment,
language deficits, abnormal energy metabolism, chronic gastrointestinal
problems, abnormalities in fatty acid oxidation, and increased oxidative stress.
MtD and oxidative stress may also explain the high male to female ratio found in
autism due to increased male vulnerability to these dysfunctions. Biomarkers for
mitochondrial dysfunction have been identified, but seem widely under-utilized
despite available therapeutic interventions. Nutritional supplementation to
decrease oxidative stress along with factors to improve reduced glutathione, as
well as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) represent supported and rationale
approaches. The underlying pathophysiology and autistic symptoms of affected
individuals would be expected to either improve or cease worsening once
effective treatment for MtD is implemented.
Rossignol, D. A. and L. W. Rossignol (2006). "Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve
symptoms in autistic children." Med Hypotheses 67(2): 216-28.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that currently affects as many as 1 out
of 166 children in the United States. Recent research has discovered that some
autistic individuals have decreased cerebral perfusion, evidence of
neuroinflammation, and increased markers of oxidative stress. Multiple
independent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron
emission tomography (PET) research studies have revealed hypoperfusion to
several areas of the autistic brain, most notably the temporal regions and areas
specifically related to language comprehension and auditory processing. Several
studies show that diminished blood flow to these areas correlates with many of
the clinical features associated with autism including repetitive, self-stimulatory
and stereotypical behaviors, and impairments in communication, sensory
perception, and social interaction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been
used with clinical success in several cerebral hypoperfusion syndromes including
cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, closed head injury, and stroke. HBOT can
compensate for decreased blood flow by increasing the oxygen content of
plasma and body tissues and can even normalize oxygen levels in ischemic
tissue. In addition, animal studies have shown that HBOT has potent antiinflammatory
effects and reduces oxidative stress. Furthermore, recent evidence
demonstrates that HBOT mobilizes stem cells from human bone marrow, which
may aid recovery in neurodegenerative diseases. Based upon these findings, it is
hypothesized that HBOT will improve symptoms in autistic individuals. A
retrospective case series is presented that supports this hypothesis.
Rossignol, D. A., L. W. Rossignol, et al. (2007). "The effects of hyperbaric oxygen
therapy on oxidative stress, inflammation, and symptoms in children with autism: an
open-label pilot study." BMC Pediatr 7(1): 36.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Recently, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has
increased in popularity as a treatment for autism. Numerous studies document
oxidative stress and inflammation in individuals with autism; both of these
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