Associations between Elemental Metabolic Dynamics and Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity Are Altered in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting social communication and sensory processing.
• Exposure biology highlights hair elemental biomarkers as potential predictors of ASD.
• The default mode network (DMN) is implicated in ASD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between hair elemental biomarkers and DMN functional connectivity in autism.
• To explore if these associations differ between autistic and non-autistic individuals, including twin pairs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of hair samples for elemental biomarkers.
• Neuroimaging techniques to assess DMN functional connectivity.
• Statistical analysis comparing associations in autistic and control participants, including twin pairs.

Main Results:

• A broad association between elemental biomarkers (especially zinc) and DMN functional connectivity was observed, independent of ASD diagnosis.
• Significant differences in the associations between DMN and specific elements (phosphorus, calcium, manganese, magnesium) were found in autistic versus control participants.

Conclusions:

• Functional dynamics of elemental metabolism are broadly linked to DMN functional connectivity.
• These links are altered in the emergence of autism, suggesting a role for elemental metabolism in ASD.
• Hair elemental analysis may offer insights into neurobiological mechanisms underlying autism.