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The Role of Lead, Manganese, and Zinc in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and Attention-Deficient Hyperactivity

Israa Hawari1, Mohamad Bashar Eskandar2, Samar Alzeer3

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Damascus, 17th April, Mazzeh, Damascus, Syria. israa.hawary@damascusuniversity.edu.sy.

Biological Trace Element Research
|April 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Elevated lead and decreased manganese levels in Syrian children are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These metal imbalances may play a role in the development of these neurodevelopmental conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental toxicology
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Pediatric health

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders with complex etiologies.
  • Genetic and environmental factors are implicated in ASD and ADHD, with a growing interest in the role of heavy metals.
  • The Syrian crisis may have altered environmental exposures, necessitating studies on neurodevelopmental disorders in affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the levels of lead, manganese, and zinc in Syrian children diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, or both (ASD-C).
  • To compare metal levels in these groups with healthy controls.
  • To explore potential correlations between metal levels and the incidence of ASD and ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • Whole blood lead and manganese, and serum zinc levels were measured in children aged 3-12 years.
  • Participants included 31 children with ASD, 29 with ADHD, 11 with ASD-C, and 30 healthy controls.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to compare groups and assess correlations.

Main Results:

  • Blood lead levels were significantly higher in children with ASD-C, ASD, and ADHD compared to controls.
  • Lead levels were higher in younger children (≤5 years) and males with ASD.
  • Blood manganese levels were lower in children with ASD-C, ADHD, and ASD compared to controls.
  • Serum zinc levels were within the normal range for all participants.
  • A positive correlation was observed between blood lead and manganese levels.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated lead and reduced manganese levels may be associated with the incidence of ASD, ADHD, or their comorbidity in Syrian children.
  • These findings highlight the potential impact of environmental heavy metal exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms linking metal dysregulation to ASD and ADHD, particularly their co-occurrence.

Keywords:
ADHDASDLeadManganeseMetalsZinc

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