PMID:
Acta Neurol Belg. 2019 Jul 13. Epub 2019 Jul 13. PMID: 31302864
Abstract Title:
The role of zinc supplementation on the metallothionein system in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract:
The present research was carried out to elucidate the role of zinc (Zn) supplementation on the plasma concentration and gene expression, as well as the effects on cognitive-motor performance, in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study was performed on a cohort of 30 pediatric subjects with ASD, encompassing an age range of 3-8 years. The impact of Zn supplementation was investigated in 3 months (or 12 weeks) on the ASD children. Each daily dosage of Zn was calculated as being equal to the body weight in kg plus 15-20 mg. The effect of Zn was also evaluated on the serum level of metallothionein 1 (MT-1A), and the severity of autism via scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The effect of Zn was investigated on the gene expression of MT1-A before and after Zn supplementation. The data of the present study showed an increase in cognitive-motor performance and an increased serum metallothionein concentration,as well as a significant lowering in the circulating serum levels of copper (Cu) following Zn supplementation. In the cohort of ASD patients, the genetic expression of MT-1 was higher after Zn therapy than before the treatment. In conclusion, Zn supplementation might be an important factor in the treatment of children with ASD.
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