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Neurometabolic disorders and dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders
Nassim Zecavati1, Sarah J Spence
1Pediatrics and Developmental Neuropsychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. spences2@mail.nih.gov
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|March 10, 2009
Summary
Autism
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Etiology
Background:
- Autism's etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, biologic, and environmental interactions.
- The role of metabolic abnormalities in autism is under investigation.
- Neurometabolic disorders can present with autistic features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review known neurometabolic disorders associated with an autistic phenotype.
- To explore the potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in autism.
- To discuss metabolic work-up and treatment strategies for autism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neurometabolic disorders and autism.
- Analysis of research on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in autism.
- Examination of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for metabolic disturbances.
Main Results:
- Several neurometabolic disorders are linked to an autistic phenotype.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are implicated in autism pathophysiology.
- Metabolic alterations may result from environmental toxin exposure.
Conclusions:
- Identifying neurometabolic disorders is crucial for some autism patients.
- Understanding metabolic disturbances can illuminate autism's underlying causes.
- Metabolic work-up and treatment hold implications for patient care and research.
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